Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has acknowledged the sting of his side's 2-1 defeat to rivals Arsenal in the Premier League, following the loss at the Emirates Stadium.

The result leaves Chelsea on the wrong end of a London derby, with Arsenal claiming all three points at home. The narrow margin of the scoreline did little to soften the blow for Alonso, who was candid in his reaction to the final whistle.

Alonso, in his role as Chelsea head coach, conceded that the defeat to their city rivals was difficult to take — a result that underlines the competitive gap the Blues must close if they are to challenge Arsenal for top honours in the Premier League this season.