Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino defended his players after their 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Trailing 2-1 at the Bees, Axel Disasi found an equaliser on 83 minutes.

Pochettino said: "45 minutes we were very good, we controlled the game. It was about to keep pushing and playing the same way. They increased their level. We were not consistent and needed to defend better.

"When we conceded it changed the game. We were the better side but we need to score in key moments, have some luck and defend better.

"After six days, where we competed in three tough games, I think the effort was massive."

He also said: "After Wolves, we only lose in the final. And then we beat Aston Villa, Palace, Leeds, we draw today, we lose in extra-time [in the final]. I think it is now to keep pushing, the commitment of the players is massive. We have two days to recover and then prepare the game for Newcastle."