Kante: We could have equalised, we had our chances

N’Golo Kante scored Chelsea’s goal at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday but concededs that the Blues need to stop making basic errors, writes Paul Lagan.

Chelsea lost a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Manchester City and both the home side’s goals came from the Londoners needlessly giving the ball away in midfield, allowing City to counter-attack and cut the Blues apart.

Kante, 28, said: “It was a difficult game. City are a good team, but we can be proud of what we did. We need to keep going.

“We had our chances, we could have equalised, but we played a strong team – it was tight but they deserved it.

“The difference between us is that they have played a long time together with a good manager – we could have done better with their counter-attacks.”

Chelsea faced Valencia last night in a crucial Champions League group game before this paper went to press.

Kante said of the clash: “We will give our best and see what we can achieve. this season.
“It is an important game that could decide qualification for us in the Champions League.

“We need to rest now. It is a game we must not lose, three points are needed and we need to be ready.

“They won the last game (a 1-0 at Stamford Bridge), but we have seven points (along with Ajax and Valencia) and it’s important that we win, and that’s what we are working for.”

The French World Cup winner has returned from a long lay-off through injury, but believes his troubles are over.

“I feel fine,” he said. “I’m good on the pitch. I have just been with the national team.

I hope my injury is behind me and I can give my best for the team.”