Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were 'scared' of Chelsea in first half before tactical shift inspired comeback win
- Chelsea went ahead at the Emirates and Arsenal looked slow to get going
- Gunners grew into game and produced much better performance after break
- Arsene Wenger believes his players were scared of Blues in opening period
- He put Mohamed Elneny into back three and moved Mesut Ozil to second striker
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal were 'scared' of Chelsea in the first half of their Carabao Cup comeback win.
The Gunners boss changed things tactically and the hosts played with more confidence for the remainder of the game, coming from behind as an Antonio Rudiger own goal and Granit Xhaka's poked finish saw Wenger's men reach the final.
Wenger reflected to Sky Sports: 'In the first half we gave Chelsea too much respect and distance. We were a bit scared to go for it and we suffered from that.
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal were scared of Chelsea before they fought back to win
‘We were not playing in the right position but we amended that in the second half and took control of the game.
'We knew we could perform better in the second half and that's what we did. In the first half we watched them play a bit but we were tighter after the break.'
An astute alteration from the Frenchman boosted his side.
Eden Hazard scored the opener and Chelsea were well on top in the early stages
Wenger moved Mohamed Elneny into a back three, pushed the full-backs up the pitch and deployed Mesut Ozil as a second striker.
The Arsenal boss also reflected on the loss of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
‘We lost a great player in Alexis Sanchez but when a team doesn't know what's going on in the dressing room there is less clarity and focus on performances. We know we have to deal with it now,' he added.
‘We have some time to prepare for the final but we are happy to take our fans to Wembley. ‘We've been there a few times now and we're happy to be going again.’
The Gunners fought back in style and advanced to the Carabao Cup final
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