Chelsea – Manchester City

1. The Premier League's big spenders collide at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Chelsea entertain Man City in a mouthwatering contest.

2. This afternoon is the tail of two misfiring strikers. The £50m Fernando Torres and the £27m Edin Dzeko have scored a grand total of zero Premier League goals between them since their high-profile January transfers.

3. They both lead their team's attacks this afternoon. Chelsea leave both Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba on the bench, with Torres supported from Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou.

4. Edin Dzeko is preferred to Mario Balotelli up front for City after Carlos Tevez failed a fitness test. James Milner and David Silva will support the Bosnian.

5. Drogba and Anelka, has any team ever had more potent attacking options on the bench?

6. Chelsea captain John Terry has also been reinstated as England skipper. Read more about that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/896636/fabio-capello-confirms-john-terry-is-permanent-england-captain?cc=5739" target="_blank">here</a>.

7. Manchester City have all the recent form in this contest, having won their last three matches against Chelsea.

8. The head-to-head record between Roberto Mancini and Carlo Ancelotti makes for interesting reading. Both men have won eight matches each, with the other three being drawn.

9. Carlos Tevez has missed out on today's match, a relief for Chelsea. The Argentine has scored in his last five matches against the Champions.

10. The teams emerge to a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

11. A minutes silence now being observed for the Japanese earthquake victim.

12. <b>KICK OFF</b>

13. 1'

    An early foul from Essien, a free kick for City in the centre circle.

14. 2'

    Another Man City free kick as Fernando Torres barges into the back of Kolarov deep in the visitors' territory.

15. 3'

    Kolarov with his first push forward, his cross is straight into the arms of Petr Cech.

16. 4'

    Roberto Mancini's side are seeing plenty of the ball early doors and have settled into a passing game. Kolarov gets to the byline again, but Essien cuts out his pull back.

17. 5'

    Very neat play from James Milner, he engineers a deft back-heel to release Yaya Toure. The Ivorian's low, curling shot is palmed away by Cech.

18. 6'

    A very nasty challenge from Michael Essien on Edin Dzeko. The Chelsea man is lucky to avoid a yellow card.

19. 7'

    Man City have settled the quicker of the two teams and are seeing the majority of possession.

20. 9'

    Edin Dzeko controls a cross into the Chelsea box, as he tries to tee up Toure he slips and the home team can clear.

21. 10'

    David Luiz with some tenacious defending to prevent Toure releasing Silva. A lethargic start from Chelsea.

22. 11'

    Fernando Torres gets control of the ball for the first time. Kalou makes a run and the Spaniard looks to find him, but the pass is over hit. Goal kick to Man City.

23. 12'

    Calamitous scenes in the Man City box. Kalou makes a positive run forward and lays off to Ramires. The Brazilian passes back to Kalou, only he stumbles and ends up felling the Ivorian as he bares down on goal.

24. 13'

    Chelsea have woken up, Kalou with another run. He is stopped by Barry and the block rolls out to Ashley Cole, who lashes a shot over Joe Hart's goal.

25. 14'

    Both teams are playing quite an open, attacking game so far. A refreshing change, certainly for Man City.

26. 16'

    Torres attempts to force his way through after latching on to Lampard's pass. It's a strong run, but he is stopped by Kompany.

27. 17'

    Frank Lampard with a range-finder from the edge of the City box, it's on his weaker foot and it never troubling Joe Hart, who watches it go wide.

28. 18'

    Chelsea have gained the upper hand in the last ten minutes, after a bright start from City.

29. 19'

    Chelsea are claiming a penalty against Joleon Lescott, Kalou may have a point. Kalou's cross struck Lescott's arm, but it was from very close quarters. They've been given in the past.

30. 20'

    Free kick given for another Essien foul on Dzeko, a chance for City to put the ball in the box.

31. 21'

    A waste from Kolarov, as he attempts a shot from a ridiculous distance and it's easily defended by Chelsea.

32. 22'

    A fine run from Torres, as he brushes off several challenges to reach the touchline. He cuts back towards Kalou, who is beaten to the ball by the City defence.

33. 23'

    Frank Lampard is released by Ramires and through on goal he forces a strong save from Hart. The flag was raised, so it wouldn't have counted, but it was impressive goalkeeping.

34. 24'

    A strong run again, from Yaya Toure this time. The reaches Milner on the right, and with options in the middle, his cross is poor.

35. 25'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>James Milner</b> is carded for a late trip on Malouda. Dangerous Chelsea free kick...

36. 26'

    Lampard's shot clatters into Nigel de Jong in the Man City wall.

37. 27'

    Again Milner is wasteful on the wing. After going past Ashley Cole, he tries advance beyond John Terry, but with no success.

38. 28'

    Another Lampard effort from long-range. This one is worse than his last, and on his trusty right-foot as well.

39. 29'

    Interesting pictures of Carlos Tevez on the Man City bench. He's wearing some head gear that would be appropriate to the slopes, rather than a March afternoon on the King's Road.

40. 31'

    The latest player to try and fail from long range is Milner, who drags a drive tamely wide.

41. 32'

    The game has dropped into a slight lull at the moment. We need a goal.

42. 33'

    Kalou tries to release Torres, who had made a good run. De Jong tracks back to turn behind for a corner...

43. 34'

    The corner is a decent one, but City head clear.

44. 35'

    Another opening for Chelsea, the lively Ramires involved again. He latched on to a wonderful Torres flick to get behind Kolarov. Ramires pulled back for Lampard, who was denied by a fantastic Kompany block.

45. 36'

    Into the last ten minutes of the half, will we get a goal? Chelsea are looking the team most likely to do it as David Silva runs the ball out of play.

46. 37'

    Ashley Cole tries to float a deep cross into the area, his delivery is deflected to Joe Hart.

47. 38'

    A mild fracas between the two teams as Ashley Cole tries to dispossess a stricken James Milner. Florent Malouda is off receiving treatment after a clash of heads with Edin Dzeko.

48. 39'

    Florent Malouda rejoins the action, seemingly fully recovered.

49. 40'

    More neat work from Kalou, attempting to slalom through De Jong and Kompany before being shepherded out of play.

50. 41'

    Kalou involved again, this time testing Joe Hart. Malouda's cross arrived at Kalou, who took a touch and turned neatly, but his scuffed shot floated into the arms of a relieved Hart.

51. 42'

    Chelsea trying to increase the pressure on City, but Roberto Mancini's team have defended well.

52. 44'

    Kolarov, in space, attempts to drill a low cross into the box. Luiz clears, but City have a corner...

53. 45'

    Micah Richards attempts to connect with the corner, but Chelsea clear.

54. 45'

    <b>ONE MINUTE ADDED TIME</b>

55. 45'

    <b>HALF TIME</b> Chelsea have been in the ascendency, but City have defended well. This game needs a goal and hopefully we'll find one in the second half.

56. 45'

    Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are warming up, a change for Chelsea perhaps?

57. 45'

    So far so good for City. After Spurs' draw yesterday, you get the impression Mancini would take this result.

58. 45'

    The teams have returned, the second half is imminent.

59. 45'

    <b>SECOND HALF</b>

60. 46'

    No clear chances for either team, as of yet. That will need to change if we are to avoid a goalless draw.

61. 47'

    Ashley Cole crosses for Malouda, the Frenchman's volley is poorly struck as he falls backwards and it's well wide.

62. 48'

    David Luiz launches a forray forward and after losing possession, he barges Kolarov straight off the ball.

63. 49'

    Salomon Kalou lets fly from the edge of the box, the shot is deflected and it's a Chelsea corner...

64. 49'

    Excellent defending from City, after clearing the corner, they press Chelsea into playing the ball all the way back to Petr Cech.

65. 50'

    Florent Malouda wastes the best chance of the match! A good burst from Torres, who brings play forward before feeding Malouda. The Frenchman tees up Kalou, who lays it back to Malouda. Ten yards from goal, Malouda scuffs his shot and rolls harmlessly into the arms of Hart.

66. 51'

    Toure and Terry are both down in a heap...

67. 52'

    Hart throws the ball out of play and Terry looks in pain. This could be bad news for the Chelsea skipper, and recently reinstated England captain...

68. 53'

    Fortunately for Chelsea, Terry is back on his feet. Fabio Capello looks on, relieved.

69. 54'

    Both men are back in play.

70. 55'

    More excellent play from Torres. The Spaniard dispossesses De Jong and runs at the City backline, before laying off to Lampard. The England midfielder is squeezed out before he land a shot on goal.

71. 56'

    Torres is released by Malouda and is in behind Man City, but the flag is raised.

72. 57'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Nigel de Jong</b> is in the book after a blatant block on Michael Essien.

73. 58'

    A strong challenge from Torres, who looks up for it today, on De Jong. Nothing given by referee Chris Foy.

74. 59'

    Branislav Ivanovic with a truly terrible shot on goal after a cleared cross fell nicely for him. Drogba and Anelka both warming up...

75. 60'

    An hour gone, and still goalless at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea corner...

76. 61'

    Ivanovic with a chance, Lampard's cross arrived with Serbian, whose header was flying into the bottom corner before it deflected off Vincent Kompany.

77. 62'

    Chelsea are cranking up the pressure, will they find a breakthrough?

78. 63'

    Ramires is penalised for a foul on James Milner. City with a chance to get hold of possession for the first time in the half.

79. 64'

    How long will Ancelotti leave it before he introduces Drogba or Anelka? Torres is having a pretty decent game, so would he sacrifice a midfielder?

80. 65'

    A rare City attack as Dzeko is fed by Silva. Bearing down on Luiz, Dzeko attempts a shot which is well blocked. The Bosnian does manage to earn a dangerous set piece for City though...

81. 66'

    David Silva's free kick is flicked on by Dzeko, who sees his looping header land narrowly over the crossbar.

82. 67'

    Drogba and Anelka are BOTH preparing to come on...

83. 68'

    Fernando Torres wants a free kick after being brought down by Kompany, nothing given.

84. 69'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on for Florent Malouda and Fernando Torres</b>

85. 70'

    A chorus of boos greeted Torres withdrawal, and they weren't aimed at the Spaniard. Ancelotti's decision was not a popular one with Stamford Bridge faithful.

86. 71'

    Yaya Toure is down and receiving some treatment, Patrick Vieira would be a ready-made replacement.

87. 72'

    Toure is back on his feet and looks fine to continue. James Milner is penalised for a handball near the Chelsea corner flag.

88. 74'

    Kolarov leaps with Ivanovic and fouls the Serbian, Chelsea free kick...

89. 74'

    Edin Dzeko gets back to do some defensive work and heads the free kick away.

90. 75'

    Kolarov sweeps to shoot, but is blocked by Luiz. The Serbian instantly signals for treatment...

91. 76'

    Kolarov's ailment is not as bad as first feared as Barry trips Anelka...

92. 77'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Yuri Zhirkov on for Salomon Kalou</b>

93. 77'

    Chelsea with another free kick, as Micah Richards crudely brings down Luiz near the corner flag...

94. 77'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>David Luiz gives Chelsea the lead!!!</b> Drogba whips in a fantastic free kick, Luiz peels away and directs a powerful header beyond Joe Hart. The England goalkeeper gets a hand to it, but it's not enough.

95. 79'

    Chelsea finally get the goal their more adventurous approach probably merits. City are set to ring the changes...

96. 80'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson on for Yaya Toure and James Milner</b>

97. 81'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Gareth Barry</b> into the book for a trip on Ramires. Another free kick to Chelsea...

98. 82'

    Didier Drogba again with a threatening delivery, which narrowly evades Essien and Luiz.

99. 83'

    Man City look a beaten team at the moment, there is no sense there is a goal on the cards for them.

100. 84'

     Yuri Zhirkov was allowed to run and run at the City defence before he was eventually stopped. Chelsea look full of confidence since the goal.

101. 85'

     Dzeko again attempting to force and effort on goal, only to be denied by Luiz. It's been another impressive performance from the Brazilian.

102. 86'

     Can Man City create one chance? They haven't really looked like scoring all afternoon.

103. 87'

     Petr Cech, who has largely been a spectator today, leaps to catch a Balotelli flick on from Micah Richards' long throw.

104. 88'

     Chelsea corner, Didier Drogba attempts to work an angle for a shot on goal before Kolarov blocks.

105. 89'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Kolarov</b> is booked for a tackle from behind on Drogba.

106. 90'

     <b>FOUR MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

107. 91'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Ramires will a superb solo effort to seal the win!</b> The Brazilian with a neat Cruyff turn 30-yards from goal, he then advances beyong Kolarov and Barry before slotting a firmly-struck side-foot effort past Hart!

108. 92'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>David Luiz</b> picks up a booking for a wreckless challenge. A blemish on his copy book.

109. 93'

     Two victories over both Manchester clubs, it would look like Chelsea are beginning to rediscover their best form.

110. 94'

     <b>FULL TIME</b> A hard-fought and deserved win for Carlo Ancelotti's team against a disappointing Manchester City.

111. 94'

     Two goals from a pair of Brazilians were enough for Chelsea. Man City looked like they might hold out, but once they went behind, they never looked like finding a goal.

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