Half-time: Sunderland 0 Chelsea 0

Sunderland had appeals for a penalty waved away in the first half of the Capital One Cup quarter-final at the Stadium of Light.

The home fans wanted a spot-kick when Andrea Dossena’s cross struck the upper part of Cesar Azpilicueta’s arm, but referee Anthony Taylor was having none of it.

Chelsea’s veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer, in for Petr Cech, was a virtual spectator for the opening 20 minutes as Jose Mourinho’s side passed the ball around at will and pressed their opponents effectively without managing to create a clear-cut chance.

The in-form Andre Schurrle cut in from the left and fired straight at Black Cats keeper Vito Mannone before Blues skipper Frank Lampard sent a long-range shot over.

Gus Poyet’s men then came into the game more but Chelsea still looked more likely to open the scoring and their best opportunity of the half came nine minutes before the interval.

Having got himself into a great position, Schurrle should have shot but instead played the ball to Willian, who dragged an effort harmelessly wide.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; De Bruyne, Willian, Schurrle; Eto’o
Subs: Blackman, Terry, Essien, Oscar, Hazard, Ba, Torres.

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