Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has aired his frustration with the club's lack of big-match temperament going into important games this season.
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After the Blues conceded two goals with no reply at champions Manchester City on Sunday, Mata admitted the capital outfit need to raise their game if they are to stand a chance of finishing in the top four come May.
"The most important games are when you play against the best teams in the Premier League and you have to show you are at this level," he told Chelsea TV.
"On Sunday it wasn't enough, the job that we did, and what we have to do now is just carry on, the season is not finished yet.
"When you play teams like Man City you have to perform at your best. We tried but in the first 25 minutes they were better at pressing us.
"At the end of the first-half we changed the game a little bit and after we had a few chances, and in the second-half it was an important moment with the penalty and Joe Hart did a very good save."
Mata's Blues team-mate Gary Cahill, meanwhile, feels the side's bloated fixture schedule this season has also played a part in their jaded performances of late.
The European Champions have progressed deep into various cup competitions this term, including the Capital One Cup, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and an excursion to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup in December.
"At the start of the season we had spark and we had zip and sometimes a little bit of fatigue plays its part," said Cahill. "Man City had a clear week before the game and we didn't and they were a lot fresher and sharper than us.
"It does take its toll, we have not had a clear week for many weeks and you are expected to go into games 100 percent fresh, trying to push on for every competition. You don't want to make excuses but it is a fact. It is something we have to deal with."
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