Jose Mourinho has refused to be too critical of his Chelsea players following the 2-2 draw with Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.
The champions twice took the lead on the opening day of the new season, but Swansea were rewarded for an impressive display when Bafetimbi Gomis secured a point from the spot after Thibaut Courtois had been sent off for bringing down the French striker.
Despite watching his side struggle to create clear opportunities, Mourinho was keen to praise the players for their response to being reduced to 10 men early in the second half.
"They didn't have chances against 11," he told Sky Sports. "The team was playing very, very well in the first half. In the second, in one minute, it was a penalty, red card and the goal - 2-2.
"If you have 10 men and are winning you can defend well and try to find a strategy but to play with 10 men and try to win the game is more difficult. I would say we were the best team with 11 players and with 10 we fought hard, some fighting at the limit of their condition."
Chelsea will return to action against Manchester City next Sunday.
Callum Mulvihill
