Jon Walters put Stoke in front, but they were pegged back by Didier Drogba.
Later and in quick succession Marc Wilson's free-kick and Robert Huth's header were both tipped on to the crossbar by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who also produced a number of good saves before substitute Ricardo Fuller's header travelled the entire width of the goal but dropped wide of the far post.
"Chelsea put us under a lot of pressure but if you look at the second half we had more chances and were unlucky not to get three points," said Whelan.
"If you are disappointed not to get three points against Chelsea you know you are doing ok.
"We've got 38 points now but we'll try to get as many as we can and take each game as it comes."
Source: PA
Source: PA