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Villas-Boas fumes at Stoke's physical approach

It was a frustrating debut for Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea © PA Photos

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Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas described the pushing and shoving by Stoke's players as "out of this world" after beginning his managerial career in the Premier League with a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

It was a frustrating debut for the 33-year-old Portuguese, who saw his side take control of the game in the second half without managing to break the deadlock.

Referee Mark Halsey turned down three concerted penalty appeals by Chelsea but it was the degree of physical contact in both boxes that vexed Villas-Boas.

He said: "A point I want to make when you are playing difficult games like this one is the amount of pushing and grabbing in the box, because it's out of this world.

"We are okay to deal with Stoke's set plays and we were competent enough to avoid the dangers they cause. We know the amount of goals they score with these set plays. But I think there's a limit to the pushing and grabbing, it makes it impossible."

Villas-Boas believes extra attention should be paid by referees to the issue and thinks the idea of additional officials is one that should be looked at.

He said: "Referees say these are the sort of details they are going to be aware of. It's difficult because they have to be aware of a number of situations but in this case maybe the referee needs some extra help.

"But there are no excuses because we were competent enough to defend those set plays, but it's a pity that it was happening."

The former Porto manager was not happy with the result but praised his side for the way they changed the game in the second half, and believes there are positive signs heading into the home matches against West Brom and Norwich.

Villas-Boas said: "I can't be pleased with a point but it's one of the most difficult grounds to play at. For our title challenge I would say one point at Stoke is not bad.

"It's not the greatest start to the Premier League of course, but we are happy we raised the level of the game in the second half.

"Unfortunately for us the goal didn't happen. We were close and we had the possession we wanted and we played in their half, the game looked more in our control, but I'm happy we were able to raise our level.

"It means against these kind of teams you are able to find space and create opportunities. Now we have to raise our game again for the two home games we have."

The first half saw few chances created by either side, with Chelsea generally handling Stoke's corners and long throws well but struggling at the other end.

Fernando Torres, preferred to Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as the lone frontman, looked lively and caused Stoke problems all afternoon but could not provide the breakthrough.

In the second half Chelsea seized control but found Potters keeper Asmir Begovic in fine form, with the Bosnian tipping over John Obi Mikel's stinging volley and then diverting Anelka's shot onto the bar.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted his side were second best in the second half and expects to see Chelsea challenging for the top honours again this season.

He said: "The first half I thought we gave as good as we got then second half they got a foothold in the game and it was there for everybody to see they quality they've got and the depth they've got, when you see Anelka, Drogba and (Yossi) Benayoun coming off the bench.

"They've got the squad to do well, they'll be in the top three again this year."

The point came at a price for Pulis, though, with Matthew Etherington set for an X-ray this evening on a damaged shoulder while Rory Delap was also forced off with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.