Graham Potter admitted Chelsea’s points return is not good enough but defended their performance after they suffered another setback against Manchester City.

Chelsea were edged out by the champions at Stamford Bridge and are languishing in 10th in the table after winning just one, and drawing three of their last eight games.

Potter said: ‘No [it’s not good enough for Chelsea] if you just analyse that in terms of points in the amount of games then it’s hard for me to argue against it.

‘Obviously there are factors you have to consider. The margins of the Premier League are, that’s a narrow defeat to Manchester City a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle with nine injuries, a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a bad day against Brighton, a draw with Manchester United and a draw away with Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

‘Points wise, no, hard to argue, margins and the situations I’d say it’s more about how we play and I think in terms of analysing how you can improve we took a step forward today in terms of our performance.’

Asked whether the top four remained a realistic target for Chelsea, Potter said: ‘The situation we’re in, to think about what’s going to happen in five months’ time is the wrong path for us.

‘We have to just focus on the next day and the next game and keep being together, keep showing the performance level we showed today, keep taking the challenges that are coming our way and try to stay together as a team and as a club and move forward.’

Chelsea’s injury crisis deepened against City after Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were both forced off inside the first 22 minutes, having seen Mason Mount ruled out after suffering a knock in training.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replaced Sterling in the fifth minute but was withdrawn in the second-half with Potter explaining the striker was tiring.

SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk