Boss admits Blues in a battle to stay in top four

Beleaguered Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez admitted his team face a gruelling battle to hold on to a place in the top four of the Premier League after a dispiriting performance in a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Frank Lampard saw a second-half penalty saved by Joe Hart before goals from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez left Chelsea seven points behind second-placed City. Having spurned the chance to move to within a point of Roberto Mancini’s side, Chelsea are now just a point above Tottenham, in action at West Ham tonight, and two clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.

“Obviously we knew we were close to City and wanted to be even closer,” said Benitez. “But we didn’t do it. We have to try to carry on winning and hopefully, if City can lose some points, we will get closer. But, if not, we have to do our job because Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton are all close. We’re in a position where we have to fight for the top four.”