"I thought the lads did really well and I thought the result flattered Chelsea a bit," said Whittingham.
"We were happy with the way we performed. After that first goal two minutes in, it was disheartening.
"But we bounced back well to get our goal and I thought we showed some real character.
"Then we created a few little other chances. If they go in perhaps they feel they are under a little bit of pressure.
"The thing is, if you are going to do anything against a side like Chelsea, you have to take those chances.
"You don't take them and then you pay. But I enjoyed it. It was great to play in such a great stadium and come up against such great players.
"I think we showed, particularly in the first half, that the gap between the Premiership and the Championship is not as big as some people think."
Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins heaped praise on Whittingham and his qualiy left foot.
"When you look at Whittingham he has a wonderful left foot, it's Premiership quality," said former England midfield star Wilkins.
"When he delivers balls like that then any defence would be under pressure.
"The first three set-plays were all his delivery and we had to be wary.
"Cardiff have big players - and Bothroyd and Chopra score goals for fun - and when you have somebody who can put the ball into the penalty area in that way it can be dangerous.
"We got to grips with it eventually, but good delivery will always cause teams problems."
