Head coach Graham Potter has suggested that he will focus on the positives after Chelsea lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the EFL Cup third round.
As expected, Potter opted to make numerous changes to his starting lineup for the game against the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium, but the Blues more than matched their hosts for large periods.
However, a Riyad Mahrez free kick and a Julian Alvarez tap-in shortly after half time secured City's passage through to the last 16.
From Chelsea's perspective, they created numerous opportunities throughout an entertaining contest with Christian Pulisic and Lewis Hall both guilty of wasting three clear-cut chances between them from no more than 12 yards out.
Pulisic scuffed a first-time effort straight at goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, before the backup City stopper made two timely interventions to deny the impressive Hall.
After the game, Potter was naturally quizzed on the performance of the 18-year-old left-wing-back, who now appears in line to act as deputy to Marc Cucurella until Ben Chilwell has recovered from a hamstring injury in 2023.
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Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Englishman said: "I really enjoyed his performance. He took responsibility, took the ball in tight areas, attacked the box, and could've scored a couple of goals on another day.
"So it was a really nice performance, a mature performance I thought. He is a quiet lad but goes about his work. I've been really impressed with him."
Although Potter was disappointed to exit a domestic cup competition at the earliest stage, he felt that "a step forward" had been made with Chelsea's development as a team.
Potter added: "I thought there were quite a few positives. Obviously, we're disappointed with the result but in terms of how we played, we created some good chances, there was a better structure and performance level.
"The team looked closer to what we want it to look like [compared to Arsenal]. The boys had great courage and they tried against a top team. Their goalkeeper got man of the match and I think that tells a little bit of the story. But overall, I think it was a step forward for us."
Chelsea now have just one game remaining before the break for the World Cup, with the West Londoners making the long trip to face Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday evening.
Darren Plant
