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Wenger Reflects On Chelsea

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been giving his thoughts following last night’s League Cup semi final first leg draw against Chelsea.

Heading to Stamford Bridge for the tie, Arsenal took a draw on the evening leaving it all to play for in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media for his post game press conference, Wenger admitted it was difficult to assess who would’ve been happier with a draw.

‘I felt that we performed well, it was a very intense game where we were very well organised and had a great solidarity in the team. We are used to scoring of course, so we are a bit frustrated we didn`t score, but overall I think the team performance was very positive and very good.’

He added.

‘We play at home in the second leg in a game we want to win. We have to win to qualify for the final, so let`s do the job. Overall I believe that it is of course a good opportunity for us to go to Wembley where we want to go, but we know that Chelsea are a dangerous side, so that is why it is important until then that we win our Premier League games and prepare after.’

Speaking further about the game and the performance.

‘I felt it was a game that was very intense physically, that was locked as well because the two teams were well organised and defended well. You could see it was the first leg of a decisive tie and overall I must say we had a great solidarity, spirit in the side and overall it was a deserved 0-0. We couldn`t score in the last 20 minutes there, where there were opportunities that we didn`t use well, but overall we now have a job to do at home and we will do it. We have played Chelsea so many times that the two teams know each other very well and that`s why when the two teams decide to block the game, they can do it.’

With Wenger serving a touchline ban he was asked where he viewed the match.

‘I must say you are well treated, you have the best places in the stadium and you cannot complain. It was frustrating, but the position was quite interesting as I was close to the bench and not too far high up and that`s where I like to be.’

With the VAR system being used in the game, Wenger accepted there were some teething problems.

‘There were only two opportunities for them to intervene, the first one was straight away because the ball went out, but the second one for me it would look a bit strange after the game has gone on for a while and then there is a corner and then to come back to a penalty would look strange, because if the referee is uncertain maybe he should be able to block straight away. If there is not penalty you give it to the defending team, because it looks a bit strange to go on for two minutes for example sometimes and then to come back, everybody forgot what happened basically. You cannot intervene straight away, it`s frustrating.’

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