WEST HAM UTD 1 CHELSEA 0 AND OUT... ... but we were never IN it, moans angry Conte
they’re entitled to be richly entertained and bedazzled by stunning play and goals to savour at The Academy of Football.
So the manner in which they carved their way through a Chelsea defence that has conceded just three goals in their last seven games in domestic and European competition fitted snugly into that territory.
Moyes’ predecessor Slaven Bilic spent a club-record £24million on Arnautovic last summer, only to see him sent off in just his second game for a violent elbow on Southampton star Jack Stephens.
He’s been rebuilding trust ever since but his goal and all- round effort against Chelsea won’t do his credentials any harm. Any goal was good enough for Moyes but its construction made it extra special.
Pablo Zabaleta and lone striker Michail Antonio were involved before Arnautovic played a one-two with Manuel Lanzini which unhinged Chelsea’s defence.
The Austrian moved the ball to his left foot and as Cesar Azpilicueta failed to close him down curled an expert finish past the grasping right hand of Thibaut Courtois.
Although Chelsea pushed hard for a quick equaliser they lacked their usual sharpness and Adrian’s only tricky moment was saving a 27th-minute N’Golo Kante shot.
It’s not often ‘ Ole’ has rung around the London Stadium from the West Ham sections. But as Moyes’ stars ended the first half on top there was a swagger, on and off the pitch, that hasn’t been seen for a while.
Conte called for the cavalry after half-time with Pedro, Victor Moses and Willian entering the fray.
But in repelling them West Ham showed all the attributes that have been missing – defensive solidity, desire and belief.
Now, the only way for Moyes and West Ham is up. Sadly for Conte, after this, he can’t say the same. ANTONIO CONTE took a swing at his Stamford Bridge bosses after admitting the shock defeat at West Ham had ended Chelsea’s title defence. The normally-excitable Italian coach cut a forlorn figure at the London Stadium after seeing his champions humbled by a superb early Marko Arnautovic goal as spirited West Ham sealed a first victory for new boss David Moyes. Defeat left Chelsea trailing Premier League leaders Manchester City by 11 points – and that could be 14 if Pep Guardiola’s stars win at Manchester United today. With the January window soon to open Conte – unhappy with the low-level of transfer business Chelsea completed in the summer – made it clear he’d welcome reinforcements.
“We have just started December and there is one month before we arrive in January and then on this topic it is better I speak with the club and tell them my opin opinion,” he said.
“B “But I repeat like every time the l last decision is for the club. I can give my opinion but the last decision is the club’s and it is right to do this.”
Co Conte (left) admitted Chel Chelsea have never been in the t title race this season after losin losing at home to Burnley on the o opening day and now suffe suffering a fourth defeat of the cam campaign.
“T “To talk about the title race after a defeat is a bit strange espe especially as this is the fourth defe defeat of the season,” he said.
“W “When you have this start, it is impossible to think you ar are in the title race.
“We have to change and tr try to do our best from now on on. But I always said it w would be a very, very tough, ve very difficult season.”
Moyes said: “The best fe feeling for a manager used to be the Saturday night fe feeling when you get a win.
“But I came off, went into the dressing room, praised the players, went in and put my jacket on and thought, ‘Oh ‘Oh, no, I’ve got Arsenal in mid midweek’. I have a big smile but I have to get back to wo work very quickly.”