Chelsea captain, Reece James, has insisted that the Blues can take several positives from their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea went into the encounter at the Emirates Stadium among the league’s in-form teams, alongside Arsenal, but suffered their first defeat of the campaign under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal were stunned early in the match when Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead inside the opening two minutes.
It was the third consecutive league game in which Alonso’s side had scored within the first five minutes.
However, Arsenal responded strongly and turned the game around through goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to secure all three points.
Despite the setback, James believes Chelsea showed character and competed well against one of the league’s leading sides.
“There was lots of positives, we started the game really well and even when we went behind we showed character to try and get back in the game but we ran out of time in the end,” he said.
“Football at this level is a game of moments. One or two things change the scoreline. It was a tough game today and we have to review and take the learnings.”
Reflecting on the midfield contest, the Chelsea defender acknowledged the challenge of competing at the highest level of English football.
“It’s the Premier League, it’s the toughest league in the world and playing against anyone in midfield or in any position is always a test.”
James also admitted that Chelsea are still adapting to Alonso’s methods, with the squad continuing to adjust to the Spaniard’s tactical demands.
“We try and adapt as fast as possible. We’re still getting to know him and the way that he wants us to play. That comes with time but we are dedicated to what we want and the way he wants us to play.”
Asked whether Chelsea can mount a serious challenge to Arsenal, James said the team would remain focused on its own progress rather than being distracted by its rivals.
“We’ll see where we are at the end of the season. We know what we have to do and we have to focus on ourselves and not let other teams distract us.”
