Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat is a reminder that much work lies ahead
With a deserved defeat against Arsenal, the FA Cup final reminded Chelsea of the significant work that needs to be done over the summer.
Chelsea simply did not turn up against Arsenal. When the game kicked off, the Blues were there in person, but seemingly not in spirit. The fact that not one member of the squad or staff noticed they weren’t wearing black armbands as they trotted out proves that the collective head was not screwed on properly. After 90 disappointing minutes of football, Arsenal were in possession of the FA Cup and Chelsea fans were wondering what had just happened.
It was a pathetic performance from Antonio Conte’s men. Star players like Eden Hazard did not make an impact while the defence seemingly had half an eye on the white sands of the Caribbean. Alexis Sanchez’s goal should not have stood, but the Blues should not have won.
The performance was a timely reminder that this squad is nowhere near an elite level. They were disjointed and torn apart by an eager Arsenal team. After another season that has done little but entertain their rivals, the Gunners pulled out their best performance yet to win their 3rd FA Cup in four years.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Ever since the Premier League title became destined for Stamford Bridge, talk has been focused on the summer transfer window. With an augmented schedule awaiting the Blues, several new players and reinforcements are needed.
The club cruised to the summit playing one game a week, but next season they will need to cope with regular midweek fixtures and exhausting travel.
Saturday’s defeat showed that, not just reinforcements, but first team starters are required. Conte’s starting XI finally came up against a team playing to a high standard and they were humbled.
In the Champions League, they will face this sort of competition regularly. Without some serious acquisitions, an embarrassing early exit is on the cards.
Fortunately, Conte feels the same way.
"For next season we must pay great attention and understand that we have to improve the numbers and the quality in the squad. – BBC Sport"
The one positive to take from the defeat is that it should act as a wake-up call. Chelsea have spent the last few weeks joking about with weakened sides and stopping mid-game to escort a player of a pitch. That relaxed atmosphere fed into Saturday in the most negative of ways. They didn’t care.
In fact, if you looked close enough, you could see the daiquiris in the hands of the Blues players. Victor Moses, meanwhile, had a flight to catch to the Costa del Sol at 7pm.
Saturday was a frustrating day for Chelsea fans, not least because Arsenal were the opposition. However, Conte now knows the full extent of the task awaiting him. The Blues are truly playing with the big boys next season and must be prepared.