Mauricio Pochettino said he was ‘proud’ of the performance from Chelsea despite watching his side conceded a two-goal lead to draw with Arsenal.
Cole Palmer’s penalty and a fortuitous effort from Mykhailo Mudryk had put Chelsea in control of the London derby with the Gunners, but a mistake from Robert Sanchez allowed Declan Rice to fire home from distance and bring Arsenal back into the game.
Substitute Leandro Trossard scored the equaliser after meeting Bukayo Saka’s deep cross, with Chelsea manager Pochettino admitting he had mixed emotions at the full-time whistle.
“I think we lost two points. We are disappointed but you can not change the analysis and the judgement of the game. We were very competitive against a very good team fighting for the Premier League last season,” Pochettino told Match of the Day.
“We are a young team and I think the way we competed is a lot to be proud but we’re disappointed because after 77 minutes when we conceded the first goal I think we were better. The game was under control and we were playing well and dominating the game.
“But when you concede there is a risk. Yes, we’re disappointed but we have to take positive things. I wan to see my players sad because they lost two points. We are in a good direction. It’s important we show the people we can compete at this level.”
Mudryk’s goal was his second of the season as his cross-shot caught out David Raya, with Pochettino insisting the winger meant the effort and is increasing in confidence at Stamford Bridge.
“Yes [he meant it]. To be honest, he tried. It doesn’t mean that only him deserves the credit but he knew the position of the keeper and that it was possible to score from that position. He needed his first goal at Stamford Bridge. He still needs to improve but with this goal I think he is going to be more confident in the future.”
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