Enzo Maresca insisted that his Chelsea side are making progress despite their inconsistent Premier League form continuing with a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. 

Maresca watched on as Noni Madueke's third-minute opener was cancelled out by goals from Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Since the turn of the year, the Blues have won just one of their last four Premier League fixtures, seeing them drop out of the top four after a strong start to the campaign. 

Having failed to win just two of their first eight away league games under Maresca this term (W6 D1 L1), Chelsea have now failed to win each of their last four on the road (D2 L2).

Chelsea ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of just 1.61 from their 10 shots compared to their opponents' 2.7 from their 15 attempts at Robert Sanchez's goal. 

Maresca explained that Haaland's goal that put Pep Guardiola's side ahead was the difference during the match, with the Chelsea boss saying Sanchez acknowledged his error.

"The game started very well for us. We scored the first one and could have scored the second goal two or three times. The game would have completely changed," Maresca said.

"The team was there but in the last minutes we conceded for 1-1. The second goal changed the game. Robert is the first one [to admit] he knows he has to do better.

"Working hard every day [is the way to improve]. We try to have conversations with all of them.

"We are making progress. We are better than one or two months ago. These moments will make us better."

No player has made more errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season than Sanchez, with his five also the most on record (since 2007-08) by a Chelsea player in a single campaign.

Chelsea captain Reece James echoed the thoughts of his manager, suggesting that luck has not been on the Blues' side during their recent slump. 

"It's frustrating not to come away with more," James told Sky Sports. "I'd like to think we're making progress. We're giving it our all and hopefully the results will [start to] show that.

"When the ball isn't dropping for you, it's tough. We've been together less than one year, and they've been together for seven years.

"A lot of people talk about the top four, but we'll take it one game at a time."

Chelsea return to action a week on Monday when they face London rivals West Ham at Stamford Bridge, who are now managed by former boss, Graham Potter.