Mark Hughes praises Stoke despite defeat to Chelsea

Stoke manager Mark Hughes praised his side's performance after they ran the "champions elect" Chelsea close in their 2-1 defeat on Saturday.

Hughes' men looked on course for a hard-earned point at the bet365 Stadium until Gary Cahill struck in the 87th minute to hand Chelsea all three points and move them 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

It sparked wild celebrations from Chelsea, who took a significant step towards the title, although Hughes was delighted with the manner of his side's performance against the league leaders.

"We're desperately disappointed that we've not got anything out of the game," Hughes told Sky Sports.

"It was a very evenly matched game. They had a number of late opportunities just when we were trying to go for the winner ourselves. I'm pleased with the performance. We're going up against the champions elect and gave a really good account of ourselves.

"I think that [result] will make everyone think it's Chelsea's title now," he added. "You saw by the reaction of their players after the game. They are absolutely delighted because we ran them close.

"It just wasn't meant to be for us. We got the details of the game wrong on a couple of occasions and good teams can punish you, which Chelsea are."

Willian gave Chelsea the lead in the 13th minute with a free-kick, only for the Potters to draw level through Jonathan Walters' penalty after the Stoke striker was pushed in the penalty area by Cahill.

And Hughes thought Cahill, who was the last man, was lucky to avoid a red card for his push on Walters.

"It was a clear penalty and correctly given, but he's the last man," Hughes said.

"I would have thought there was a suggestion that he could have received the red card at that point but the referee deemed it right not to do that."

Hughes was also disappointed with referee Anthony Taylor's decision to disallow Bruno Martins indi's first-half header.

The Welshman said: "I've looked at it and they are saying there's a slight push from Berahino on Azpilicueta, but I didn't see him getting anywhere near the ball.

"I think he realised that and has made a little bit more of a meal of the slight push.

"He wouldn't have been able to affect Bruno coming in and scoring so we're disappointed with that decision as well."