Arsenal legend explains what’s changed about Chelsea boss Antonio Conte after back-to-back Premier League defeats

Posted by

Conte’s made a mess of things!

Arsenal legend Martin Keown says Antonio Conte’s performance in the Chelsea dugout has slipped since his incredible start to life in England last season.

The Italian led the Blues to the Premier League title in his first year in charge, but Keown says he’s no longer getting the little details right after already falling to three league defeats, and two in the last two games.

Talking on BT Sport last night Keown criticised Conte’s decision to allow Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa to leave Stamford Bridge and was also unimpressed with his team selection at Selhurst Park. (Comments reported by the Express).

SEE ALSO:
Man United face battle for £62m-rated target, talented midfielder is wanted by European giants
Man United lead Chelsea in attempt sign unsettled Premier League star, £50m January bid incoming
10 players set for shock Premier League exits in January transfer window: Arsenal and Chelsea all face major losses

Discussing Chelsea’s lack of depth the former Arsenal star noted, ‘Why did Chelsea let Matic go? (Diego) Costa, of course, they fell out.

‘You look at Conte last year and he couldn’t get anything wrong.

‘Now these subtle little changes when the first team players aren’t available, he’s not getting it right.’

Chelsea are of course without N’Golo Kante and Alvaro Morata who are both currently sidelined with injuries, but Keown makes a very valuable point that if Costa and Matic had stayed at Stamford Bridge then the Blues could have coped far better with their recent injury woes.

Chelsea’s humiliation

Heading into Saturday’s fixture with Crystal Palace, Chelsea were expected to bring home the three points with ease as Palace had established themselves as the early whipping boys in the league thus far. However, Chelsea were unable to cope with impressive performances from Andros Townsend and Wilfred Zaha as the Blues gifted Palace not only their first set of points in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign but also their first goal in over 12 hours of Premier League action.

Having been beaten only five times in total in last season’s title triumph, Chelsea have already notched up three defeats before the end of October, with the club losing to Manchester City before the international break and to Burnley on the opening day of the season.

Chelsea will look to put their recent Premier League defeat behind them with a crunch tie at home to Roma in the Champions League this Wednesday. A turn in form will be needed if Chelsea are to make it three wins from three in Group C.

More Stories Antonio Conte Diego Costa Martin Keown Nemanja Matic Pedro