Analysing Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte as Chelsea and Arsenal play out 0-0 draw

Sport360 staff 21:44 17/09/2017
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  • Antonio Conte and Arsene Wenger came up against one another for the fourth time in four months as Arsenal and Chelsea played out a goalless Premier League draw at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

    Wenger got the better of the Blues boss to win the FA Cup in May, while also winning the Community Shield following a penalty shoot-out.

    Following a pre-season friendly in China, this was another level London derby between the two sides as Chelsea finished with 10 men. Here’s a look at how the opposing managers fared.

    TEAM SELECTION

    While Eden Hazard only being named on the Chelsea bench was largely expected, Wenger dropping Alexis Sanchez to the role of substitute was not.

    The Chile international has had a slow start to the season after injury and an extended holiday but he played the entire game for the Gunners in their 3-1 Europa League win over Cologne on Thursday.

    Wenger instead opted to play Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi behind club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette – who was guilty of missing the game’s clearest chance.

    TOUCHLINE DEMEANOUR

    As usual, Conte was a coiled spring inside his technical area as he berated his players as often as he applauded their efforts.

    The Italian was apoplectic with rage as David Luiz was dismissed in the closing stages for a foul on Sead Kolasinac right in front of the dugouts.

    Wenger was seated for the majority of the contest but was always quick to leap from his dugout to hammer home a point, usually to the fourth official.

    The pair had no interaction with one another and there was a respectful handshake at the end of proceedings.

    TACTICAL DECISIONS

    Wenger waited until the final 25 minutes before turning to Sanchez in the hope of his talisman inspiring Arsenal to a late winner.

    Conte followed suite by calling for Hazard moments later, but even the two star players struggled to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

    Chelsea had already introduced Tiemoue Bakayoko at the interval having lost the midfield battle in the first half, while Wenger was forced to replace the injured Welbeck with Olivier Giroud.

    LOOKING AHEAD

    While Arsenal are still yet to break their dismal winless away record against last season’s top six, Wenger will take heart from a rare strong display .

    The Gunners were roundly beaten 4-0 at Liverpool before the recent international break and showed none of the commitment, guile or ability that was on show here.

    Chelsea will be more frustrated by the result given how they have played in recent weeks but it could still prove a vital point later in the campaign.

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