However, as it transpired, a Riyad Mahrez tap-in was what settled our Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola's side, with Chukwuemeka reflecting on what might have been had his effort late on in the first half not have bounced off the inside of the post.

The midfielder, who joined the action as a first-half substitute, impressed for the Blues and felt he grasped his opportunity well as he seeks further opportunities in the side, although admitted he was left disappointed Chelsea ended the game with nothing to show.

Before analysing the game as a whole, first Carney reflected on his low drive that rattled back off the woodwork while the game was still evenly poised at 0-0.

'My heart skipped, literally, when I took the shot because I thought it was in!' Carney said of his effort that came back off the post.

'Obviously it wasn't meant to be today and I've hit the post but I've just got to keep working and hopefully it will come in the next few games.

'In the first half, especially, I thought we were really good.

'We worked hard out of possession, we limited their chances and on the ball we looked dangerous and created some opportunities for ourselves. We caused them some problems and I thought we were the better side in the first half.

'Unfortunately we just couldn't find that goal to get the breakthrough but I definitely think there are some things for us to build on ahead of the weekend.'

The former Aston Villa midfielder didn't have much time to prepare for his introduction, entering the fray at around the 20-minute mark as a replacement for the injured Christian Pulisic.

Despite the lack of preparation, Chukwuemeka felt that actually benefitted him and allowed him to express himself once he stepped onto the pitch.

'At times it can be quite nerve-wracking, especially if you don't have much time to prepare like today,' said the teenager.

'You can't worry about that though, you just have to switch on and get your mind in the game and see how you can help the team.

'I try to play without fear. I think being as young as I am, when I step out onto the pitch for Chelsea I feel like I don't have anything really to lose and I can just get out there and express myself.

'I think that's the same for the other lads, like Omari and Lewis, who I thought both did really well when they came on. We all want more chances and now we've just got to keep working hard to try and get another opportunity.

'We've got a few injuries in the squad at the moment and when we get a chance to feature, it's a big opportunity for us to show the gaffer what we can offer to the team. So we've just got to keep working hard at every turn.'