LONDON: Rafael Benitez was given a toxic welcome by Chelsea supporters as his first match as manager ended in a 0-0 draw at home to Premier League champions Manchester City yesterday.
The Spaniard became a hate figure at Stamford Bridge in the previous decade when he was in charge of Liverpool, where he made a number of comments about Chelsea that were deemed unforgivable by a section of the Blues support.
Yet just how strongly the majority of those present for this match felt about him was a surprise, as Benitez’s name was loudly booed by thousands of supporters as soon as it was mentioned by the on-pitch announcer.
It only stopped when news that former Chelsea manager Dave Sexton had died was conveyed.
There was a minute’s applause in Sexton’s memory but afterwards the home fans sang in praise of Roberto Di Matteo, the man sacked to make way for Benitez, who was soon also told that he was “not wanted here”.
Placards with the words ‘Rafa out’ were also held up for the benefit of the television cameras.
The opening minutes saw neither side fashion a clear-cut chance, and the 16th minute saw Chelsea fans burst into sustained applause to hail Di Matteo, who had worn the number 16 shirt as a player at Stamford Bridge.
The first chance went to City, with David Silva heading just over after Pablo Zabaleta had picked him out in the box with a cross from the right.
Sergio Aguero was next to have a go as the Premier League champions began to get a grip on the game, but Cesar Azpilicueta threw himself in the way to make a block.
Chelsea threats were more sporadic, although City goalkeeper Joe Hart did have to punch away under pressure, but it was not long before Zabaleta was again posing problems at the other end and Petr Cech had to beat away a low drive.
Man City should have been ahead in the 42nd minute when Edin Dzeko’s knock-down fell perfectly for Aguero, but the Argentina international inexplicably headed straight into Cech’s arms.
Chelsea looked more lively in the second half, which saw Ramires fire a long-range effort over and at last a chance came Torres’ way after Eden Hazard had flicked the ball into his path, but though his shot was powerful enough to beat Hart, it was also too high.
There was a chance for City in stoppage-time but Cech was able to save Aleksandar Kolarov’s header from a corner and the final whistle marked 90 minutes that had failed to live up to the hype.
Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe’s double, including a superb first-half strike, and midfielder Gareth Bale’s goal just before the hour jolted Tottenham Hotspur out of the doldrums with a 3-1 London derby victory over visitors West Ham United at White Hart Lane.
Promoted side Southampton moved out of the bottom three with a 2-0 home victory over Newcastle United, ensuring an unhappy return to the south coast club for former Saints manager Alan Pardew.
Elsewhere yesterday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was also unable to get one over former club Swansea City on his return to Wales as the Anfield side continued their mediocre Premier League start with a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium. AGENCIES
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