Carlo Ancelotti pinpointed Chelsea’s opening goal as the defining moment of Everton’s Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

The unfortunate Ben Godfrey deflected into his own net after 31 minutes, the home team wrapping up the victory when Jorginho converted from the spot with 25 minutes remaining.

Everton remain in the top six and only four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

In that context, Ancelotti refused to be too downcast following a first away league loss in 10 matches.

Everton’s plan to contain Chelsea was working, in Ancelotti’s view, until the hosts broke through to change the complexion of the game.

“Chelsea played better than us and deserved to win,” said Ancelotti.

“We were good defensively for 30 minutes up to the goal, we didn’t concede opportunities.

“When they opened the scoring, the game was more difficult for us.

“They are a good team.

“For 30 minutes, it was the game we planned.

“Of course, we could do better with the ball and be more clinical in front.

“We didn’t have a lot of opportunities but we had a good chance with Richarlison to equalise the game.

“We have to be honest, we are still not at the same level as Chelsea, so we have to plan the game differently.

“We cannot play an open game against this kind of team.

“It was the same game we planned to play against Liverpool [2-0 win last month] but against Liverpool we scored after three minutes and were more comfortable to defend.”

Everton conceded early possession to Chelsea but limited the hosts to a handful of half-chances and shots from distance.

Marcos Alonso marauded undetected into the box, however, and the Spaniard’s cross found Kai Havertz for a touch that cannoned into Godfrey and past Jordan Pickford.

Pickford made a number of outstanding stops after the break but the goalkeeper was penalised for a foul in the box on Havertz.

Jorginho converted, ultimately putting Chelsea out of reach, shortly after Richarlison fired Everton’s best opportunity off target following outstanding approach play from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Everton will aim to close the gap on the teams in front of them when they welcome Burnley to Goodison Park on Saturday.

“We are in the fight for Europe,” continued Ancelotti.

“This is our target and we will be fighting for Europe until the last game.

“This will be good for us.

“Of course, we are disappointed with this defeat, we could do better, but no tragedy, we look to the next game.

“We are disappointed but not too much.”

On the impressive Pickford, Ancelotti added: “Jordan did really well, he made good saves, defensively we had more difficulties in the second half but Jordan was really good.

“The penalty he could have done better but it doesn’t change a good performance from him.”