Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was happy with his players after defeat at Manchester City.
City won via an early goal from Julian Alvarez, with manager Pep Guardiola fielding several fringe players.
Kalvin Phillips was denied a goal by the post, while goalkeeper Stefan Ortega kept a clean sheet, denying efforts from Chelsea pair Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher.
Lampard said: "They dealt with it well, it's different. To respect what Manchester City have going on, they deserve it. My thing to the players, the challenge was to focus on our job, the game. We needed to show a performance today.
"Everyone is watching, we're Chelsea, everyone will be commenting on what the season looked like from the beginning until now. I thought they equipped themselves very well today.
"We said before the game we needed intensity, we needed to show that we had a responsibility to come here and play. I think the first 15 minutes was frustrating because we didn't play like we said we would. Once we were one down and the game kicked in and we realised we could play into Enzo and Ruben, play through the lines and switch the play, be brave on the ball, the game opened up for us and we contested in the game and probably deserved a draw."
Asked about City's domination, Lampard said: "They're outstanding and they've shown to be outstanding that's why they are on for a possible treble and their level of play for the last two months has been outstanding.
"I think they set a benchmark that has pulled them apart. They're winning the league, Arsenal a few weeks ago looked like they might win the league, I don't think we're there yet but I don't want take anything away from what they've done.
"They've built this over years. Incredible vision of the club. I worked here for a year, I understand the people at the top and how well organised it is and they've brought in a great coach and so many great players so they are the benchmark. I don't think worth telling anymore about the future, I've just respected them and given them credit today for winning the title."