March 20 2005

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie was disappointed with the defensive errors which led to Chelsea's goals in Saturday's 4-1 defeat.

Frank Lampard gave the Blues the lead after 29 minutes before Aki Riihilahti equalised for Palace on 42 minutes. But further goals from Joe Cole (54) and Mateja Kezman (78, 90) sealed victory for the Premiership leaders.

"The scoreline was probably harsh on us, but if you defend like we did for their second and fourth goals you are going to be in trouble," said Dowie. "Although I do believe outside that we were very much in the game.

"I thought at the start of the second were having a very good spell and made some changes to have an effect on the game but before anything could happen we gave away a bizzare goal but nobody needs to be telling Gabor Kiraly that he should have done better.

"I was disappointed with their second goal as well because we shouldn't be letting Joe Cole get in there as we need to stay wide in those situations and not let in him get in a position to get a shot in on goal."