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Arsene Wenger little sympathy for rival Antonio Conte over squad size complaints

The Frenchman suggested his Italian rival should recall a number of his loan players if he's concerned by the Chelsea squad's small size

Thursday 10 August 2017 22:40 BST

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Arsene Wenger speaks on Alexis Sanchez contract extension

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed little sympathy for rival Antonio Conte after the Italian insisted that his Chelsea squad is too “small” on the eve of the new season.

The Blues boss declared ahead of last weekend’s Community Shield clash that the club still needs to make a series of new signings for their coming title defence, despite loaning out, releasing or selling a total of 28 players during this summer’s transfer window.

But speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Leicester, which raises the curtain for the new season on Friday night, Wenger was in mood to sympathise with his Italian rival.

When asked if he’d been surprised by Conte’s complaints, the Frenchman said: “Maybe, yes, he has the opposite problem. But if you look at the number of players on loan, they can call a few back.

“I have sympathy for him. But do I feel sorry for Chelsea as they don't have enough problems? Then no.”

Despite recruiting the likes of Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger, Conte has grown frustrated by the number of players who have departed the club this summer and is continuing his search for new signings.

As is Wenger, who admitted that he remains open for business.

Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Arsenal vs Chelsea player ratings

Who impressed and who faltered at Wembley?

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Petr Cech - 7 out of 10

His usual assured self at the back. Was quick off his line in the first half to clear a Chelsea through ball on the edge of the box. Let down by his Arsenal defence for Chelsea's goal but a hero in the shootout.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Rob Holding - 6

An assured first half performance but failed to properly read the situation for Moses' goal. Should have done better.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Per Mertesacker - N/A

His game was cut short after taking a blow to the head that forced him into an early substitution.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Nacho Monreal - 6

Adjusted well to loss of Mertesacker at the back. Held his position and coped under pressure. Nothing remarkable, though.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Hector Bellerin - 6

Enjoyed more influence down the flank than his counterpart on the other wing. Got forward into the right positions and produced a number of challenging deliveries.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Mohamed Elneny - 6

Chanced his luck with a few wild shots on goal that failed to come to fruition. Worked hard in the middle. Solid performance all round.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Granit Xhaka - 7

It was his failed clearance which handed Chelsea their opener but he made up for it as the game advanced. He came close with a stinging shot from outside of the box and provided the delivery for Kolasinac's header. MOTM.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5

Oxlade-Chamberlain continues to look out of place at left-back, despite Wenger's hopes that he'll be able to make a wing-back out of the player. As such, the Ox once again lacked confidence and that special spark that stopped him from having any real major say on the game - even when he was pushed on higher up the pitch after Mertesacker's injury.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Alex Iwobi - 7

Enjoyed a notable surge forward at the end of the first half with an explosive burst of pace before showing some neat footwork to keep the attack alive after running into danger. Spirited and lively performance in all.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Danny Welbeck - 7

Put in an industrious performance for Arsenal. Tireless in his harrying of Chelsea’s back line and willing to drop back deep for his team mates. Linked up well with Lacazette, too, which certainly bodes well for the coming season.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Alexandre Lacazette - 6

An encouraging game for the Frenchman. Was certainly more effective in the first half, when he hit the post with a curled effort from the centre of the box. Could strike up a nice partnership with Welbeck.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Thibaut Courtois – 5

Made some good saves although looked a little bit wobbly underneath the high ball. But why oh why did he step forward to take a penalty?!

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Cesar Azpilicueta – 6

Struggled against the direct running of Iwobi. Not one of his better games, all in all.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

David Luiz – 7

An enigmatic performance from the Brazilian, who impressed with a couple of bits of outrageous skill.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Gary Cahill – 7

Dominant in the air and played out well from the back when required.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Victor Moses – 7

Opened the scoring with a well-taken goal at the start of the second-half.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Cesc Fabregas – 7

Calm and composed in the middle of the park. His passing was impressive throughout.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

N’Golo Kante – 7

A typically tidy performance. His pass success rate did not dip below 90% all match and he made several good tackles.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Marcos Alonso – 6

Not one of the Spaniard’s better games. But on the plus side he does have a superb new lid.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Willian – 6

Not his best performance, and was booked half-way through the first-half for simulation.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Pedro – 7

Chelsea’s brightest player in the first-half by a considerable distance and equally effective in the second. But was sent off late on for a dangerous tackle.

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, Community Shield - player ratings

Michy Batshuayi – 6

Had a couple of shots, one of which was well saved by Cech. He’s improving – but he’s no Diego Costa.

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“We are still open,” he said. “But of course at the moment I have 33 players and it's very difficult to manage on a daily basis such a high number.”

The Frenchman added that Manchester City have “been quite spectacular” in the transfer market, but suggested this season’s title races remains as open as ever.

“They have been quite spectacular in the transfer market. Man United as well. And it's not finished. Chelsea have bought Morata and have not lost Costa yet. And they will certainly buy more.

“In the middle of the transfer market it's difficult to predict. At the moment the most active have been United, City and Liverpool a bit.”

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