Graham Potter admitted his frustration after Chelsea managed only a draw at home to Everton and felt Everton outmuscled them at times.
The Blues were hoping to build on successive Premier League victories but could only manage a point at Stamford Bridge. Following a goalless first half, Joao Felix gave the hosts a 52nd-minute lead before Abdoulaye Doucoure levelled for the Toffees. Kai Havertz put the west Londoners back in the lead with a 76th-minute penalty.
But Ellis Simms bagged his first Everton goal with one minute to go to ensure the visitors took something back to Merseyside.
The result sees Chelsea sitting in tenth spot in the standings, with 38 points from 27 games played. Everton are 15th but just two points above the relegation zone.
Potter picked out some positives from his side’s display but took aim at his rearguard.
“We did a lot well and we are disappointed with the goals we conceded tonight,” he told BBC Sport.
“We thought we played well enough to get the three points but ultimately if you don’t defend well, you don’t get the result.”
And the former Brighton chief singled out one area in which his charges failed to match the opposition
“We lost duels in the box and when you lose the duels, there is danger,” he added. “Credit to Everton, they are good at that but we have to do better.
“It’s disappointing. There were a lot of good things about the performance but we have just taken one point.”
Potter namechecks positives as superstar remains on bench
Chelsea have won just ten of their top-flight games this term. Many of Potter’s players have not lived up to their billing.
However, the manager mentioned several who put on a decent display at the Bridge.
“Joao Felix was lively throughout, Kai and Christian Pulisic were good, good width from Ben [Chilwell] and Reece [James],” he added.
“Enzo and Kovacic in midfield drove the game as well. [Wesley] Fofana was fantastic, defended well, drove the game but he had to come off with fatigue with his hamstring. He took responsibility.”
Chelsea have missed superstar midfielder N’Golo Kante this term. He has been missing since August after sustaining a nasty hamstring injury.
The France interantional was among the substitutes but played no part against Sean Dyche’s men. However, Potter made it clear it will not be long before he is back in the thick of the action.
“Lots of positives from the performance as a team and individually but there is a sour feeling when you don’t get the three points,” he continued.
“Kante is there on the bench and he is ready. It was a difficult one to come into for his first game, he has been away for so long but he’s ready.”
Chelsea will next be in action on April 1 when they welcome Aston Villa to the capital. Then there is the small matter of taking on Liverpool three days later.