Chelsea seeking revenge for Wembley defeats to Arsenal
Antonio Conte has challenged Chelsea to avenge last season’s FA Cup final heartache when they face title rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Conte’s team were denied a memorable Premier League and FA Cup double after the champions crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at Wembley in May. Chelsea also lost the FA Community Shield to their London rivals in August.
Any meeting with London rivals Arsenal is a big moment in Chelsea’s season, but those painful losses mean the latest derby at Stamford Bridge carries extra significance for Conte and company.
“I remember very well that game. We were unlucky, if you remember the first goal it was very strange,” Conte said of the Cup final.
“I was sure this goal would be disallowed, instead we started 1-0 down.
“We tried to change the game, then a red card, with 10 men we equalised, but then we conceded another goal.
“When you lose there is always disappointment but I always see a good mentality from my players when there is a defeat.
In contrast, Arsenal have endured a rocky period as a loss at Stoke was followed by a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Victories against Bournemouth and Cologne have done little to ease the concerns of Arsenal fans who believe Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is no longer the right man for the job.
TIME RIGHT FOR LUKAKU: MOURINHO
LONDON: Jose Mourinho backed Romelu Lukaku to shine against his former club as early Premier League pace-setters Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Now 24 and with six years of Premier League experience behind him, Lukaku is now ready to succeed at the top level according to his manager.
“I think Romelu has come here at the right time,” Mourinho said. “He is at a good age. He has a number of years of experience in the Premier League. He is clearly a player who has adapted to the Premier League.”
ROONEY DESERVES WARM WELCOME
LONDON:
Striker Wayne Rooney will receive the warm welcome he deserves as a Manchester United “legend” when he returns with Everton to Old Trafford, manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday.
Rooney moved back to his boyhood club at the start of the season after 13 successful years at Manchester United.
The 31-year-old former England captain won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and three League Cups, scoring a club record 253 goals.
“I think he’ll get the welcome that he deserves,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Everton’s league visit on Sunday.
“Sometimes the word legend comes too easily (but) he’s a real legend of the club. The number of appearances, goals, trophies clearly he’s one of the most important players in the history of Manchester United.
“I think the stadium will show him the respect he deserves. I hope before the match and after but not during it.”
With Paul Pogba facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Mourinho believes midfielders Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick can step up to the challenge of replacing him.
“We have players waiting for an opportunity,” Mourinho added.
“He started the season really well, we’ve had one match per week we’ve been going with the same players.
“Honestly, we miss Pogba and we need him but we have good players. Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick they’re waiting for a chance and they are ready.”
Mourinho said left back Luke Shaw is back in contention for a place in the squad after recovering from a long-term foot injury, but defender Marcos Rojo still faces some time out of action due to a knee problem.
United made a flying start to the campaign with three straight victories before being held to a 2-2 draw at Stoke City last weekend.