Tag: Chelsea

  • Chelsea unlucky to lose Carabao Cup clash to Arsenal – Conte

    Antonio Conte claims Chelsea were unlucky to be knocked out of the Carabao Cup following their 2-1 second leg semi-final defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

    Eden Hazard opened the scoring for Chelsea but Arsenal drew level after Nacho Monreal’s header from a corner bounced off Marcos Alonso before deflecting off Antonio Rudiger into the net.

    And in the second half, a cross from Alexandre Lacazette deflected off Rudiger and fell kindly for Granit Xhaka who then poked the ball past Willy Caballero.

    “My thoughts are there is disappointment for the final result,” Conte said in his post-match interview.

    “I think my players must be pleased with their effort, we tried to reach the final, we conceded two goals and we were unlucky, two deflections.

    “It is a pity because we had a good run in this competition, it is a pity for me, the players and fans.

    “We started very well, played a good first half and in the second half I saw a lot of balance.”

    Conte lamented the loss of Willian to injury which saw the introduction of new signing Ross Barkley.

    “When there is an injury to one of your best players it is not simple, especially when on the bench the only substitue is Ross Barkley,” Conte said.

    “Barkley has a lot of space for improvement, he is working with us only two weeks but for sure today I was forced to make this substitution, but he can improve a lot.

    “I don’t need anything, I’m a coach and I continue with my players.”

  • Xhaka puts rock-solid Arsenal in League Cup final

    Arsenal fought back from a goal down against old foes Chelsea to reach the League Cup final as Granit Xhaka poked home to complete a 2-1 second-leg win on Wednesday.

    The result meant Arsenal set up a Wembley showdown with Manchester City.

    Nothing separated the sides after the semi-final’s first leg at Stamford Bridge ended goalless two weeks ago.

    But the stalemate was swiftly broken as Chelsea took the lead through Eden Hazard after seven minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

    Yet question marks about Arsenal’s steel in the face of adversity were swept away as they levelled five minutes later through a fortuitous Antonio Rudiger own goal.

    They then turned the match on its head, with midfielder Xhaka turning predator 15 minutes after halftime to finish from close range.

    Arsenal stayed rock-solid at the back for the rest of the game to set up an enticing final against Manchester City on Feb. 25

  • Hazard, Moses, William cap Chelsea victory against Brighton

    Super Eagles forward Victor Moses provided the icing on the cake on Saturday, converting 89th minute chance to round up Chelsea demolition of Brighton and Hove Albion.

    The Antonio Conte led side had no atom of mercy for their hosts as they ran away with a 4-0 victory. Signs that it was going to be a bad day for the host emerged in the 3rd minute when Eden Hazard shot the Blues into the lead.

    Teammate William increased the tally three minutes later after enjoying a a time assist from Belgium international Michy Batshuayi

    Chelsea were not only enjoying the goal feast but also enjoyed 58% possession in front of 30,600 spectators at The American Express Community Stadium.

    Brighton and Hove Albion coach Chris Hughton and his boys had no answer had no solution to their woes as Chelsea continued the feast on resumption of the second half as Hazard returned in the 77th minute for his second goal of the match thanks to Williams assistance. The 89th minute strike by Moses capped the Blues party after getting an assist from Musonda.

    While Chelsea were busy counting their goals Brighton and Hove Albion were counting their cautions as three of the players received yellow cards in the 36th, 56th and 79th minutes respectively. The contribution of Moses is no doubt likely to tickle the fancy of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr who is hoping that his players enjoy good playing time in their clubs with a view to remaining in super form ahead of the World Cup where they will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland. Moses was in action for the entire duration of the match.

    Meanwhile Chelsea attacker Willian marked his 50th consecutive appearance in the Premier League, the longest current run of successive games in the division among outfield players, with a fine goal.

    Willian was named in Antonio Conte’s starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, with fellow forwards Pedro and Alvaro Morata missing through suspension after they were sent off in the midweek FA Cup replay against Norwich City.

    The 29-year-old Brazilian featured alongside Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi – given a rare start deputising for Morata – in the Blues frontline as Conte seeks to arrest a run of five straight draws in all competitions.

    And Willian scored his 23rd Premier League goal in the sixth minute, rounding off a stunning team move with a 20-yard finish after Hazard had put Chelsea ahead.

  • Chelsea held by second-tier Norwich

    Premier League champions Chelsea were held to a goalless draw away to second-tier Norwich City in a dull FA Cup third round tie on Saturday.

    Manager Antonio Conte had made nine changes from the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the league on Wednesday, keeping only Gary Cahill and Tiemoue Bakayoko in the team.

    Norwich, relegated to the Championship (second tier) two years ago after one season back in the Premier League, had slightly the better of a quiet first half.

    Goalkeeper Angus Gunn saved well from Willian in one of the few clear-cut chances either side made, and bringing on Alvaro Morata from a youthful substitutes’ bench did not have the desired effect for Conte’s side.

    They now face a replay in London to add to a busy January, which also includes a two-leg League Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

    Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in his post-match reaction, expressed frustration of having to play a replay, adding that it was a difficult game.

    “It’s a bit frustrating. We knew the difficulty of the game. When you play away in this competition it’s not easy.

    “It was a pity, but [we had] great commitment from our players. We tried to win the game but we must accept the final result.

    “In the first half we had difficulty in attack but in the second half we created chances to score.

    “We have to play another game – the schedule is busy.

    “Norwich deserve to have another game. For us it’s not simple to add another game in the schedule. These are the rules though,” he said.

    Norwich City manager Daniel Farke, on his part, praised his team for putting up an outstanding performance against the premier league defending champions, adding that he was a big believer in the cup.

    “To be honest I’m a bit disappointed it was not a win for us. We had an outstanding game and in the first half we dominated, and didn’t give a chance away.

    “It was pretty close to a celebrating day, so I praise my lads, but we are a bit sad that we didn’t win. It was important to be good in possession, especially against a good possession team like Chelsea.

  • Heynckes rules out Vidal move to Chelsea

    Heynckes rules out Vidal move to Chelsea

    Bayern Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes has denied the club have received a bid from Chelsea for Arturo Vidal and has ruled out selling the player this month.

    The Premier League champions have reportedly lined up a £33million move for the Chilean in an effort to bring him to Stamford Bridge during the transfer window.

    Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who won three successive Serie A titles with Vidal at Juventus, has spoken in glowing terms of the 30-year-old in recent weeks and admitted “I’d always want him with me” in December.

    Heynckes, however, insists Bayern have no plans to sell any players before the end of the season.

    “There’s no contact between Chelsea and Bayern,” he told a news conference on Saturday.

    “We won’t sell Arturo Vidal or any other player during the winter market.”

    Bundesliga leaders Bayern are spending some of the mid-season break in Qatar and will play Al Ahli in a friendly match later on Saturday.

    Heynckes does not expect Robert Lewandowski or Mats Hummels to be involved due to minor injuries but could give a start to new signing Sandro Wagner, who joined from Hoffenheim on January 1.

    “My players have been really excited to travel to Qatar. It’s great fun with the players,” he said.

    “Robert Lewandowski has brought his injury from the first half of the season with him here. I hope he can train again with the team on Tuesday.

    “Mats Hummels has had adductor problems during the winter break.

    “Wagner has been well received. He can become an important player. Before, we had no alternative to Lewandowski.”

    Omnisport

  • Chelsea to sign Everton midfielder, Ross Barkley for £15m

    Chelsea to sign Everton midfielder, Ross Barkley for £15m

    Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is expected to have a medical at Chelsea on Friday before a £15m move to Stamford Bridge.

    Barkley turned down a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day in August.

    But negotiations between the clubs resumed once the transfer window re-opened on 1 January.

    The 24-year-old England man rejected a new deal at Everton and is out of contract at the end of this season, opening the door to a cut-price move.

    Barkley has yet to play this season after having hamstring surgery following a training injury but is now approaching match fitness.

    Everton manager Sam Allardyce said on Thursday the club had been resigned to losing Barkley for some time.

    And now, barring late hitches, he is likely to secure a move to Chelsea.

    It will mean the player is leaving Goodison Park after 13 years, having joined Everton as an 11-year-old in 2005.

    The academy graduate has played 150 times for Everton in the Premier League, scoring 21 times since making his debut in 2011.

    BBC Sports

  • EPL: Bellerin earns Arsenal 2-2 draw with Chelsea

    EPL: Bellerin earns Arsenal 2-2 draw with Chelsea

    Hector Bellerin made amends for conceding a penalty kick with a superb stoppage-time equaliser to earn Arsenal a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in a scintillating English Premier League game on Wednesday.

    There were chances galore for both sides but it was not until the 63rd minute that Jack Wilshere blasted Arsenal ahead with a superb finish past Thibaut Courtois.

    Bellerin tripped Hazard four minutes later and Hazard tucked away the penalty kick and Chelsea appeared to be heading back into second spot when Marcos Alonso struck from close range.

    Bellerin made sure Arsenal earned the point they deserved, however, with a sublime half-volley in the second minute of stoppage time.

    There was still time for Chelsea substitute Davide Zappacosta to hit the crossbar but a draw was a fair result.

    Chelsea remained in third place with 46 points, 16 behind leaders Manchester City, and Arsenal stayed sixth.

  • Antonio Conte plans to stick with rotation policy ahead of Arsenal clash

    Antonio Conte says he will continue his policy of rotating the Chelsea team ahead of facing Arsenal in the first of three meetings against their London rivals in January.

    Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas were both left on the bench for the Premier League defending champions’ resounding 5-0 victory over Stoke last Saturday with Danny Drinkwater and Willian given the chance to impress.

    “When you play against Arsenal every game is very important,” Conte said in his pre-match press conference.

    “Now Wednesday’s game is very important for the league.

    “We want to try to do our best. We want to try to get three points, to give satisfaction to our fans.”

    Conte’s Chelsea face a busy January which includes a two-legged semi-final against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

    “In my plan, it’s very important to involve all my players,” Conte added.

    Eden Hazard is set to return to the Chelsea line-up against Arsenal on Wednesday after missing the Stoke victory

    “I think we are doing a really good job in this situation. We are making many rotations, but at the same time our results are positive.

    “It means all my players are working very well.”

  • Victor Moses reveals how life has changed under Antonio Conte

    Victor Moses reveals how life has changed under Antonio Conte

    The 26-year-old has had a resurgence of his career since being moved to wing back and admits life just doesn’t get better than this both on and off the field.

    Moses pocketed a championship medal, got married, established himself as ‘the indispensable man’ in manager Antonio Conte’s side and helped Nigeria become the first African nation to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

    He said: “For me, its definitely the top – my best year so far, on and off the pitch.”

    Only hiccup is being squeezed out of the to three to become African Player of the Year, behind Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Egypt’s Mo Salah and Sengal’s Sadio Mane – a decision that angered the Nigerian Football Federation.

    Moses would rather claim he was in the running then being over-looked.

    He added: “I must have done well. It felt good to be nominated. I’ve worked so hard. It’s a bit crazy and shows how far I’ve come.”

    Moses had the perseverance to make a success of his Chelsea career despite being continually sent out on loan says a great deal about his character.

    Yet this determination pales into insignificance when compared to the biggest mountain he had to climb.

    Moses was just 11 when he arrived in England as an asylum seeker after both his mother and father were killed during religious clashes in Nigeria in 2002.

    He was playing football in the streets when his parents lost their lives. Just a week later, his remaining family had cobbled together enough money to send him away from his homeland.

    Palace under Neil Warnock gave him his chance. His natural ability showed he would never have been a mid-level journeyman, with mates claiming he would either play Champions League, or on park pitches.

    No-one else at Chelsea can do what he does and without him, Conte’s 3-4-3 system would collapse.

    After spending the previous three seasons being shipped around on loan, it might be a surprise.

    Never able to make much of an impression at Liverpool, Stoke City or West Ham United, Moses looked set to be sold by before Conte arrived. Just another youngster who could not cut it at Chelsea.

    Moses spent most of his career in a more advance role, before settling into a wing-back as Conte dramatically tore up previous manuals and stamped his own authority on the club.

    He said: “Becoming a wing back is not an easy transition. It’s not an easy job and you need stamina to play there.

    “The manager works me on the training ground, and it’s been really good. When you have someone who is really backing you it gives you confidence.”

    He picked up an injury against his former club Palace and was out of the side for six weeks in the autumn, but was recalled the moment he was fit again.

    He added: “It’s been a great year for me. I’ve really enjoyed it, but want to keep it going.”

    After playing for England from U-16 to U-21, Moses opted for the country of his birth and says: “Nigeria were the first African country to qualify for the world cup.

    “We are like Chelsea. We believe in ourselves. Chelsea have loads of games of coming up. We’ve got a great squad, and the manager we have here, we know what we are capable of.”

  • Life at Chelsea was tougher under Antonio Conte than Jose Mourinho-John Terry

    John Terry reckons life was tougher at Chelsea under Antonio Conte than his predecessor Jose Mourinho. The Blues legend played under both managers during his long career at Stamford Bridge and won Premier League titles with both bosses.

    Terry only spent one year with the Italian before bringing the curtain down on his time in west London and heading to the Championship with Aston Villa.

    But that was long enough for Conte to make a big impression on the centre-back and he told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football that work became harder after Mourinho left.

    Terry said: “Yes [Conte’s training is harder than Mourinho’s was.

    “Tougher than most, physically tougher, more demanding, a bit more running, which is normal for Italian coaches.

    “Tactically a little bit more, but I think you can see, when you’re a player, working 45 minutes to an hour every day on your tactics and you see that benefit at the weekend, you don’t mind doing it.

    “He’s got a real good balance and he makes it enjoyable week in, week out.”

    Terry became one of Mourinho’s untouchables during his first stint at Chelsea, leading the club to their first Premier League triumph, and the bond between the two will always be special.

    Terry added: “He was the best manager, and the best coach as well. He did everything.

    “He was the first one to come and revolutionise it at Chelsea. He would be the first in, 8am, he’d be the one setting the cones out, and you’d come in as players and he’d be out there, if it was pouring with rain, getting his session organised.

    “Mentally and psychologically, he had us from day one. We bought in to whatever he was going to deliver that day and he was the same when he came back. Having his presence there was enough.

    “He had his eyes on everyone and when he speaks no one messes about or plays with a ball. You listen to him, he was the boss.

    “I would give everything for him. I would leave that pitch in a coffin for him and every player felt the same.”

    However, Terry is convinced the former Juventus chief’s future lies in the Premier League as part of a long-term building project following a title win in his debut campaign.

    Terry added: “I think they see him as a long-term manager. having worked with him, the way he dealt with me and other players, I think he’s first class

    “I think they stick with him long-term. We’re only having this discussion because City have raised the bar.”