Danny Sturridge almost sets up a dramatic grandstand final few moments but is denied by a sterling block from Alex.

There will be three minutes of added time here.

City don't look like they have the ideas in them to open up this compact Chelsea backline now and the fans are starting to make their way away from the stadium.

Good run from Ireland and he sets up a decent opportunity for Michael Ball but he curls it straight into the arms of Cech.

Stupidly John Terry gestured the scoreline to the home fans as he left the field and that is only risking landing himself in further trouble with the FA.

The third goal has really flattened the home crowd but Chelsea have been superb so far and have possibly shown City just how far they have to go yet.

Again Chelsea able to manipulate the ball well and find Lampard in space on the edge of the box but Hart is behind this one to deny the midfielder.

Stunning defending from Carvalho! Wright-Phillips beats three and feeds it left for Ireland in space but Carvalho makes a lot of ground to produce a marvellous sliding block.

Chelsea still have to be wary of City on the attack because they are hugely unpredictable and Zabaleta finds himself on the edge of the box now but can only sky his shot comfortably over.

Replays appear to suggest that Micah Richards was very fortunate there not to give away a penalty as he seemed to just shove Anelka to the ground.

Chelsea want a penalty and they might have a case! Lampard spots a clever, bending run from Anelka who brings it down well before being rather bundled over by Richards, but the referee is disinterested.

City almost in for an equaliser as Robinho robs Mikel in midfield before Jo tries to release Wright-hillips but the pass allows Ashley Cole back in to clear.

Joe Cole has seen plenty of the ball today and his blocked shot ricochets to Lampard who can't quite keep a tough half-volley down.

Again it has been a bright start to the half, particularly from City who need to get the crowd back roaring behind them if they are to rock Chelsea again.

A superb strike from Ashley Cole who had got a long way forward and from all of 25 yards he skims the top of the net with Hart well beaten.

Suicidal from Zabaleta! However he is lucky and gets away with it after blindly playing the ball across his penalty area straight to Anelka but Hart makes a good stop to bail out his team-mate.

Chelsea have been dominant since the goals and Malouda has yet another chance but yet again he fails miserably to find the target as he skews his header well wide.

After a frantic opening half hour or so the game has drifted into a bit of a lull for the time being with constant interruptions not helping proceedings.

More good work from City though, with the ball, as Wright-Phillips frees Jo on the right and he cuts inside to shoot only to see John Terry deflect it over.

The visitors are really starting to control the game now with their passing and City are having to work hard to win the ball back.

Big let off for City! Malouda is played on by Ball and is completely free in the box to head against the cross bar, even the rebound goes against Chelsea as it cannons back between Hart's legs and sticks like glue.

The football today has been a joy to behold at times already! Ireland plays it in for Jo who backheels it into the Irishman's run again but he can't keep his shot down and Chelsea escape.

Glorious chance for Anelka! Bosingwa cuts inside Ireland far too easily but Anelka dives towards the ball but fails to time it and heads well wide.

It has been a little forgotten amongst all the Robinho talk that Nicolas Anelka is returning to yet another former club - the City fans have not forgotten though as he is given a sarcastic cheer as he slices wildly.

Mark Hughes will be spitting feathers about conceding so quickly having taken a deserved lead but Chelsea now look in charge and comfortable having flattened the crowd somewhat.

Chelsea could not avoid conceding in the opening 20 minutes then so now they are going to have to come out and try to stem the flow.

Chance for Man City now the a free-kick on the edge of the box and Hamann, Jo and Robinho are circling with intent.

The first effort on target comes from Chelsea and the left boot of Frank Lampard but its a tame one and Joe Hart is comfortably behind it.

Chelsea know they are going to have to weather a bit of a storm from City who are obviously on a high with recent events and they seem happy just to absorb for the time being.

Good football from the hosts and Wright-Phillips almost has a chance as he makes a darting infield run but Jo's first touch ball is just behind him.

It has been a good start from Manchester City who look bright and busy in the opening exchages but they are yet to trouble Chelsea.

Robinho's first act in English football is to give away a free-kick for leaning on Ricardo Carvalho, he stills gets a huge cheer.