Antonio Conte desperate to beat Arsenal after FA Cup final defeat

CHELSEA Antonio Conte is desperate for his side to start the season with victory over Arsenal in tomorrow’s Community Shield at Wembley.

Antonio ConteGETTY

Antonio Conte desperate to start the season with a win

Chelsea’s games against Arsenal shaped their Premier League title-winning season when Conte revived the Blues from 10th place the previous term.

Following last September's 3-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium, the Italian switched to a 3-4-3 formation and the Blues won 13 successive Premier League games.

The Premier League win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in February then provided impetus for the title run-in.

But then Conte was denied the double in his first season as Blues boss when Arsenal won May's FA Cup final 2-1.

Chelsea ArsenalGETTY

Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last season

It was a pity to lose the game, to lose the FA Cup final against Arsenal

Antonio Conte

Conte said: "It was a pity to lose the game, to lose the FA Cup final against Arsenal after a really great season for us.

"Now there is another game. We know very well Arsenal is a strong team.

"We're waiting a game very difficult for us and want to try to start the season with a win. The same (for) Arsenal. I want to see a good game, for the players, for the people."

Conte admits he plans to stick with the 3-4-3 formation which served Chelsea so well last term.

"After a good season you have to keep the positive things and try to change the negative things," he added.

"One positive thing was our formation, our system. Now we are trying to continue to work in this system to try to improve.

"Every system needs to improve season by season, year by year."

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