It may have been another defeat but Ben Godfrey felt Norwich City did show some character during their 1-0 loss at Chelsea, fresh from their relegation fate being sealed.

The hosts dominated as City tried to be more defensively robust in their approach following a dreadful 4-0 home defeat to West Ham three days earlier.

But a header from Olivier Giroud just before half-time earned Chelsea a vital win in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

“I think it was important to not dwell on the weekend, despite it hurting a lot,” Godfrey said after the game at Stamford Bridge. “We wanted to come here and compete with what is a very good Chelsea team.

“I thought we did that, we showed fight and it was disappointing to concede but that’s the Premier League, it only takes a couple of seconds and these world class players take their chances.

“You can stay switched on for 90 minutes, that’s all they need is half a chance and they’ll take it. I think it’s something we can build on and that’s all we can do, just try and get that winning feeling back in the camp again and we’re looking to do that each and every game.”

The eighth successive league loss for Daniel Farke’s already relegated squad continued the painful slide back to the Championship.

England U21 defender Godfrey has been partnered with Timm Klose at the centre of defence during the thoroughly disappointing run of form since the season resumed in June, with injuries ruling out all other central defensive options.

Klose, who has been straight in at the deep end after recovering from a knee ligament injury, was out-muscled by Giroud for the goal.

“Obviously it’s difficult whenever you concede a goal,” Godfrey continued. “We’re competitive people and if the opposition scores a goal it’s painful because as defenders you want clean sheets.

“Despite us not being able to do that many a time this season, it’s still something that we set out every single game to get and as I said before it only takes half a chance and strikers take it.

“I thought Timm was good tonight, I’ve enjoyed playing with him and it’s just a great ball in from our right-hand side, it’s half a chance and he’s taken it.”