Chelsea held by Norwich, Forest knock out Arsenal

LONDON: Chelsea were held to a goalless draw away to secondtier Norwich City in a FA Cup third round tie on Saturday.

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

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 at Stamford bridge on January 16

MOURINHO IS A ‘LITTLE MAN’, SAYS CONTE

LONDON: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte continued his ongoing feud with Jose Mourinho on Saturday by calling the Manchester United manager “a little man”. pens, the court proved my innocence, when you do this it means you are a little man,” Conte said

“But this is the not the first time. He does this in the past and he continues to do this in the present.”

ARSENAL DUMPED OUT BY FOREST

NOTTINGHAM: Arsene Wenger lost an FA Cup third-round tie for the first time as holders Arsenal were stunned 4-2 by Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Wenger has lifted the famous trophy on seven occasions – including three of the last four years – but saw his muchchanged side undone by two Eric Lichaj goals along with penalties from Ben Brereton and Kieran Dowell in a classic cup tie at the City Ground.

The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette were all rested as Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck were afforded rare starts in an unfamiliar Arsenal XI.

But Wenger’s plan backfired against a Forest side who are still without a permanent manager following the sacking of Mark Warburton last month.