Danny Drinkwater has admitted it is "difficult" to play against Manchester City.

Chelsea spent most of the time chasing after their opponents during Sunday's 1-0 loss. The home side managed to maintain 71 per cent possession throughout the match and kept to the Blues to zero shots on target.

"We came to frustrate them and it was working at times in the game, but in the end we lost it so it's no good," he said.

"It was our game plan, but we have got to take responsibility on the pitch. We had to try and nullify them. They try and pull you out of pockets, frustrate you defensively and play round you. That's how they create their spaces between the two lines.

"We were trying as hard as we could to not let that happen, but with the players they have got it was going to happen sometimes.

"It was difficult. It felt like we were doing a lot of running and they had all the time in the world. The way they scored the goal is tough to take."