Following today’s clash between Chelsea and Arsenal in the EFL Cup Semi Final first leg, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Chelsea hosted Arsenal at Stamford Bridge for an 8pm kick off in the EFL Cup Semi Final first leg on Wednesday January 10, with both sides playing out a scoreless draw.
The hosts did edge possession across the game slightly and had far more efforts in total, but Chelsea only managed three additional shots on target than Arsenal managed so whilst there will be disappointment there end and not making the breakthrough, Arsenal will be pleased with their defensive showing on the day given how often they are criticised on that front in the media.
Teams:
Chelsea:
Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Drinkwater (Willian 68), Alonso, E Hazard (Bakayoko 84), Morata (Batshuayi 87).
Substitutes:
Pedro, Zappacosta, David Luiz, Eduardo.
Arsenal:
Ospina, Chambers, Mustafi, Holding, Bellerin, Wilshere (Elneny 57), Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Welbeck, Lacazette (Sanchez 66).
Substitutes:
Mertesacker, Walcott, Mavropanos, Macey, Nelson.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Martin Atkinson blew the final whistle, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte explained.
‘We are not so clinical despite creating chances. If you want to win you have to score and if you are unlucky the game finishes in a draw.’
With the VAR system featuring again.
‘I think it was a good solution, when there is a doubt during the game the referee can check and see the situation again and make the best decision. It is right, in this way for sure the mistakes are less. I spoke with the referee about a decision for the offside, not this new situation.’
Looking ahead to the second leg he was clearly looking for Chelsea to be more clinical.
‘We are 50% for both teams, to go and play the final at Wembley. We didn’t concede a goal. It was very important for us but at the same time, we know we play away at Arsenal and we must be ready to fight if we are to play the final.’
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his comparative interview explained.
‘It was a good performance, we were well organised, our usual offensive creation was a bit poor in the second half. It was a good draw and we have to finish the job.’
Questioned about Alexis Sanchez being on the bench.
‘I thought I would bring him on after an hour, I knew we had to defend more and he could make the decision in the last 30 minutes. It was nothing to do with transfers.’
On VAR.
‘It was interesting, a cause of anxiety as it took a bit of time to make the second decision with Welbeck and Fabregas, but overall it worked well. But between the penalty action or penalty not action, with the time taken it would have been strange to come back to the penalty.’
Wenger also confirmed the transfer of Francis Coquelin to Valencia.
