Grant: Stoke are not far off the top teams

Stoke City can match the big boys in the Premier League – as they proved against Chelsea according to keeper Lee Grant.

Grant was at fault for the first goal in a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Premier League leaders, failing to get down to parry Willian’s low free-kick.

But a penalty from Jonathan Walters levelled up matters before Gary Cahill snatched victory for the Blues at the death.

And Grant – who made a number of fine saves in the second half to make up for his error – admitted mistakes had cost them dear.

But the shotstopper also could take confidence from how close they ran the big boys.

“We are disappointed because this was a game we’d highlighted as one we thought we could get something out of,” the 34-year-old said.

“I think the attitude and level of performance was really good so to come away with nothing off the back of nothing more than a couple of mistakes for the goals is really disappointing.

“That’s probably the most disappointing thing about the day because with the level of work-rate, endeavour and organisation we were just undone on a couple of little details.

 (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“Obviously for the first goal I hold my hands up because I feel I should have done better with it.

“I’ve just watched it back a couple of times and my position was very good but it was just a small detail at the very end of the save where I’ve just misjudged the bounce of the ball.

“From my perspective it’s frustrating because I’ve not really had too many of them this season but fortunately I was able to make some saves in the second half which kept us in the game.

“However, as I’ve said, unfortunately they’ve just been able to come away with all three points.”