Neither Manchester City nor Chelsea were able to find the net during the opening 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

The first real chance of note was created in the 14th minute by the home side. David Silva sent over a corner from the right that was met by an unmarked Matija Nastasic, who saw his bouncing header tipped to safety by Petr Cech.

Next to try his luck for City was Sergio Aguero, but having rounded Cech, the Argentine lost his footing and the ball rolled out of play.

© PA Photos

Roberto Mancini's side continued to control proceedings and were denied a goal with 38 minutes played when Gary Cahill got back to head clear a volley from Pablo Zabaleta that looked be the heading into the net.

Three minutes later Cech was called into action again, this time to push over a long-range strike by Jack Rodwell, before holding the same player's headed effort from inside the six-yard box.

City continued to dominate as the half drew to a close, but they were unable to get the better of Cech.