After Friday's goalless derby draw with Fulham, Graham Potter has pleaded for patience and cautioned that it will not be "straightforward" for a new-look Chelsea team to gel.

On a dismal night for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez began at Stamford Bridge three days after joining from Benfica for a Premier League-record £106.8 million (€121 million). Mykhaylo Mudryk was substituted by fellow newcomer Noni Madueke at halftime.

In the first half, David Datro Fofana, another of a slew of new Chelsea players, had a shot cleared off the line by Tim Ream, and Kai Havertz struck the post.

The point Fulham earned maintains them ahead of their sixth-place neighbours, who are currently in ninth place.

Chelsea were disjointed, understandably lacking fluency following the arrival of so many new players and head coach Potter says they will need time to build an understanding.

He told BBC Sport: "There was a lot of excitement and positivity from the start, a good atmosphere. The spirit of the players was really good. They worked hard for each other against an organised team.

"They've been together a while. We're a different stage of that – players coming back from injury and new players. We needed time to settle everything down. We were missing the connection, fluidity and confidence that comes from knowing each other.

"The decision we took in the window, you can see the profile in terms of age. We feel we have a very strong group of players. We have to gel and become a really good team. That's where the work is.

"It's working together. When players have been injured, they have not been on the training pitch. We have new players with us. It's about getting ideas across and working with the group.

"Sometimes you have to look at the whole package. Young players, nice mix of them both. For us, it's about improving.

"New players are adapting to a new country and a new league. It's not straightforward. When the price tag is what it is, questions will be asked, it's the nature of the business."

The return from injury of Reece James and Ben Chilwell was a big plus for Chelsea, while Potter revealed winger Mudryk was withdrawn after struggling with a cold this week.