Top four finish will be difficult: Chelsea coach

London: Roberto Di Matteo has conceded that a top-four finish is "going to be difficult" after his Chelsea side were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham in the Premier League.

Spurs dominated possession and both sides hit the woodwork in what was largely something of a drab London derby, though the visitors will be happier with a point as it maintains their five-point cushion in the table over the Blues.

Di Matteo has admitted that overhauling Harry Redknapp's side is looking increasingly difficult, but has vowed to continue fighting to guarantee a place in Europe's elite tournament next season.

"It's going to be difficult," he told Sky Sports after the match.

"But from the day I was appointed, I think we always knew that it was going to be a difficult task. There's still eight games to play and we will try to win as many as we can to try to get into fourth spot."

The former Chelsea midfielder conceded that the result was a fair one, although he felt aggrieved that Ramires was denied a penalty in the second half.

"Assou-Ekotto just pulled him down because he wasn't aware of him and I think Ramires would've got on to the ball," he added.

"It wasn't a doubtful one - that was an absolute penalty. I think it is a fair result, both teams had chances to win the game."

"We tried very hard, especially in the second half and we put on strikers, but I think ultimately it was a fair result.

"They defended deep and are dangerous on the counter, and we have to be balanced but we didn't create enough clear-cut chances. We knew we were behind, and we had to catch up points and now we have a game less and it will not be easy but we will try to the end."

Redknapp had said after the game that six wins from their remaining eight matches would see them secure a top four berth, but Di Matteo was a little more sceptical over his own chances.

"To make the gap up, we would have to win all of them," he added.

"I'm not sure it's as easy as that. You look at the scheduled fixture list and you just have to try to win the next one."