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Prior to Antonio Conte’s appointment as Chelsea Head Coach, it was hard to think of the possibility of Arsenal getting a result against Chelsea. Fixtures against the Gunners were regarded as a walk in the park. Chelsea fans could sleep off knowing that the fixture was a forgotten conclusion with Chelsea sure to win or in worst case scenario avoid defeat.

At the start of Conte’s reign it was a catastrophic defeat against the Gunners that sparked Conte’s tactical change that led to our league triumph. Apart from a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge last season, the Gunners have just found a way to play against Chelsea. Defeats in the FA Cup Final and Community Shield coupled with draws against them in recent fixtures show that Chelsea no longer hold the advantage. There’s a feeling that Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have finally broken the mental siege that often plagued them in games against the Blues.

With the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals on the horizon, it’s about time Chelsea reemerged and exert their dominance again on their North London rival. Conte needs to get his team selection and tactics right to overturn his and Chelsea’s struggles against Arsenal. Chelsea cannot afford to lose to Arsenal. In hindsight, a win against them will move us a step closer to winning the first silverware of the season.

Let’s hope for the best. Cheers!