Chelsea did not have much to smile about last night — but Lewis Hall’s performance offered an encouraging glimpse of the future for the club’s fans. 

In just his second senior appearance, the 18-year-old starlet shone as the Blues slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. 

And Hall’s display at left wing-back was one positive boss Graham Potter will take from a largely forgettable evening.

The youngster, who was subbed after 75 minutes, said: "It's disappointing to lose the game and be knocked out this early.

"But I'm very happy personally to have an experience like this against a top side at a stadium like this.

"It's only my second appearance, something really special. It is something I can use as a learning curve."

Stand-in City keeper Stefan Ortega twice prevented Hall from netting his first goal for Chelsea after two fine chances came his way at the Etihad. 

Ortega, who also denied Christian Pulisic with a smart save, fully deserved to keep a clean sheet as Potter’s men fired blanks for the second game running. 

Hall added: "I was really happy to get in the positions to score and I just need to work on that last bit. It's something I know I can do better with.

"You don't really have time to think about it. When you get the chance you’ve got to try and do your best to put it away — and I couldn't do that. Hopefully I can next time.

"It can only benefit me having this experience."

Hall made his Chelsea debut last season under former boss Thomas Tuchel in an FA Cup third-round win over Chesterfield in January. 

And the academy graduate was delighted to be given his latest taste of first-team action by Potter. 

The England youth left-back, who can also play in midfield, said: "Whenever there is a new coaching staff everyone is on a level playing field. 

"You want to impress and that's what I try to do in training day in, day out. I’m very grateful to him for the opportunity.

"He's very good with young players. Anyone who is not part of the squad coming into the group is very welcome. 

"He gives you opportunities in training to show what you're about and he doesn’t put pressure on you at all."