BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at the Etihad

"For all the quality players on show that was rather dull...and nothing in the way of clear-cut opportunities for either side."

Six bookings and one attempt on target in that first period. Cagey? I should coco.

There it is, nil-nil at the break then between two of the title rivals. Bring back Tyler Blackett for the entertainment value.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson
BBC Radio 5 live

"Chelsea have been really, really good defensively in this first half. I have to say it has been a defensive master class. Just when you think City are into the penalty area, that all they have to do is flick a leg at the ball and score, a darker blue shirt comes in and steals the ball away."

Willian is caught by David Silva and looks in a bit of grief. The medical staff sprint onto the pitch but we are almost at half time. Get him in the dressing room and have a look at him.

Image source, PA

Leighton Baines has a free-kick on the edge of the box, he takes aim but it flicks up off the top of the wall and away. Frustrating afternoon for Everton so far.

Diego Costa's first sniff! Branislav Ivanovic heads down a corner, Costa is in the right place to convert but Fernandinho just gets a toe to it to steer it wide...

Almost a second goal for Palace, out of nothing! Christian Atsu loses the ball, Yannick Bolasie strides forward and lashes in a shot from 25 yards which takes a big deflection and loops over Tim Howard.

It hits the bar, and Fraizer Campbell is caught out. He starts to celebrate as the ball drifts through the air, and is on his heels when the ball spins out toward him.

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at the Etihad

"Jose Mourinho has been permanently stationed in his technical area while opposite number Manuel Pellegrini has occasionally felt relaxed enough to take a seat. Chelsea still waiting for their two big players, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, to exert their influence."

Image source, PA

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson
BBC Radio 5 live

"Man City are huffing and puffing without really creating that golden opportunity."

A fifth booking of the game as David Silva lashes out at Willian. What are the odds on a red card today? Probably shorter than a goal, the way this is lining up.

Krzysztof Wasilewski:, external Vincent Kompany - Diego Costa is the duel to watch. If Costa wins, City lose.

To have your say use #bbcfootball,, external fire over a text to 81111, or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

Everton are back on the front foot since that Crystal Palace equaliser, with Gareth Barry flashing a dangerous cross into the middle.

Yaya Toure has not scored or assisted a single Premier League goal in his three appearances so far this season. The last time that he failed to score or assist a goal in four successive Premier League appearance was back in November-December 2012.

That's some record.

Image source, Getty Images

Sergio Aguero skips away from Ramires, who reacts as I would, with a crafty kick to the calf. He's booked as a result.

William Broom:, external Diego Costa can bully himself to a goal against most centre-backs in the league but not Vincent Kompany.

Saint Rhys:, external Frank Lampard to come on, smash a shot past Joe Hart and sprint away while pulling his Man City shirt off to reveal a Chelsea top.

Yaya Toure has been more involved so far, playing the most passes of anyone on the pitch. Nobody looks like scoring right now though.

Alex: I can't see Chelsea losing today. They seem to have clicked. But then I backed Leicester to go down, so what do I know?

Ben, Sunderland: 'He's fat, he's round, he bounces on the ground, Micky Quinn...' (See 16:03)

That is as good as it gets, penalty wise. Australia skipper Mile Jedinak steps up and hammers the spot-kick into the top corner. Unsaveable!

Image source, Getty Images