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.
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.”
Striker Wayne Rooney will receive the warm welcome he deserves as a Manchester United “legend” when he returns to Old Trafford With Everton , manager Jose Mourinho told reporters in a news conference.
Rooney moved back to his boyhood club at the start of the season after 13 successful years at Manchester United.
“I think he’ll get the welcome that he deserves,” Mourinho said.
“Sometimes the word legend comes too easily but he’s a real legend of the club. The number of appearances, goals, trophies he has won, clearly he’s one of the most important players in the history of Manchester United.“