Chelsea boss Avram Grant was pleased with the patience shown by his players during their 1-0 defeat of Birmingham City.

The Blues had to overcome a dogged and determined performance from the home side before Claudio Pizarro headed in a 79th-minute corner from Juliano Belletti.

Grant said: "Although the goal came late, we had the majority of the possession except for the 10 minutes at the end of the first half.

"We didn't create so many chances but still had two or three opportunities before we broke through.

"Birmingham played with a lot of spirit and determination and fought very well but we deserved the win.

"We were aware that Birmingham had picked up points against Liverpool and Arsenal this season and it was very important to win here. They had only lost 1-0 at Manchester United.

"It is very difficult to play against them. They know how to defend and make good counterattacks so you need to be patient against them.

"We were patient because in these games you don't get many chances - especially against them at their place."

Grant was pleased to see Pizarro score his first league goal since netting in the 3-2 win over Birmingham on the opening day of the campaign.

He said: "It was one of his best games. He did a very good job for us and deserved the goal. It was well taken."

Grant believes his side already have the momentum to mount a title challenge despite missing half a dozen players through injury and being on African Cup of Nations duty.

He said: "We have got momentum. We have won so many games in the last three months. Nobody thought these players would do it but we have carried on winning.

"We are waiting to get players back from injury and international duty but we are doing fine."