Chelsea just cannot get the better of Arsenal under Antonio Conte... one win in eight is a painful return against a rival they are so used to dominating
- Chelsea lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final
- It is the fifth time the sides have met this season, with the Blues failing to win
- Since Antonio Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge they have won once in eight ties
- It signals a reversal in fortunes in a rivalry which Chelsea used to dominate
Antonio Conte must be sick of the sight of Arsene Wenger. Yet another clash between Chelsea and Arsenal took place on Wednesday night, delivering yet another disappointing result for the Italian boss.
Conte’s side made the perfect start at The Emirates, with Eden Hazard slotting home to give the visitors a deserved lead in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
However, it all unravelled as an Antonio Rudiger own goal and a second-half effort from Granit Xhaka turned the tide and sent Arsenal on their way to Wembley to face Manchester City on February 25.
Antonio Conte has endured am awful run in matches against Arsenal, winning one in eight
Antonio Rudiger's fortune in the cup tie was symptomatic of Chelsea's luck against rivals
Even in the manner of the goals they conceded, there was an element of misfortune and a sense that it just wasn’t to be Chelsea’s day. It is a feeling that is all too familiar for the Italian.
Since taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2016, the Blues have faced their London rivals eight times in all competitions. They have won only once.
Over three clashes last season, Arsenal came out on top twice – including in the one that really mattered. Their victory at Wembley in the FA Cup final in May denied Chelsea the double.
Things have unravelled at the Bridge since that defeat, and their inability to beat Wenger’s side in five attempts this season mirrors the current unrest at the club.
Arsenal came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the semi-final clash
Losing the Community Shield on penalties was a frustrating start to this campaign, but two defeats and two draws from the subsequent meetings in the Premier League and Carabao Cup has left fans exasperated, not least given the fact it hasn’t always been like this.
It signals a reversal of fortunes in the rivalry, with Chelsea previously enjoying the lion’s share of bragging rights in recent history.
Wenger’s own Chelsea hoodoo was always a focus ahead of past derbies, especially when Jose Mourinho patrolled the opposite technical area.
The shoe used to be on the other foot, with Arsene Wenger never beating Jose Mourinho
However, the Frenchman is enjoying a change in fortunes against one of his biggest rivals
The Frenchman was never able to get the better of the Portuguese during his two stints at Chelsea, only finally getting the better of him last season when Arsenal beat his Manchester United side at the Emirates.
Others were also able to cash in on Wenger’s poor record. He had seen his side win once in 11 before Conte took the reins. How relieved he must be to see the shoe on the other foot.
The frustration over their barren run against their rivals has seeped from the stands on to the pitch too.
On three occasions in the last eight games Chelsea have been reduced to 10 men, with Victor Moses, Pedro and David Luiz all seeing red in recent fixtures.
It is will come as a relief to Conte that the rivalry will not be renewed until next season.
Given uncertainty over his future, it may be over for good.
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