Didier Drogba warmed the bench while Fernando Torres started for the Blues at Stoke City.
And that's the main talking point from Chelsea's opening game of the League season.
The Spanish international had a long-range effort go wide in the first half and that was as good as it got in the opening 45 minutes. odgate
Stoke had a shout for a penalty turned down when John Terry looked like he handled it.
The second half was marginally better for the Londoners.
Ray Shawcross hacked down Torres just inside the penalty area but the spot kick was not given.
Jonathan Woodgate appeared to hold back Torres but a second appeal turned down.
Then third excellent call for a penalty appeared when Frank Lampard looked like he was tripped.
Three penalty appeals turned down had echoes of the infamous Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
In truth, Chelsea huffed and puffed and apart from Asmir Begovic’s acrobatic saves from Mikel, Anelka and Kalou, the blues did not look like a side revitalised from the dreary offerings from last season.