Recall that Fabregas was left on the bench as Conte preferred Nemanja Matic, Oscar and N’Golo Kante.
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When asked if Fabregas could return to the starting lineup for the trip to the Emirates Stadium: “All the players in my squad have the possibility to play against Arsenal”, Conte responded, as quoted on Chelsea’s official site. I don’t care what their name is. “We know they are a risky team on the counter, which is what they did, but I think we showed great character, as I think we’ve been showing during the whole season”.
Chelsea travel to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m pleased for him, because in the games when he didn’t start in the line-up he always had a great attitude”, Conte said. “I am satisfied when I see this behaviour”.
However, the Blues fought back, via goals from defenders Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta (on 45 and 39 minutes respectively).
“The second key was when Wasilewski was sent off”.
“They showed the will to win – the will to go through to the next round”. Reading won 2-1 away against Brighton & Hove Albion, while Leeds United beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0.
The striker told the club’s official site: “For me, scoring two goals is important because I’m a striker”.
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, who made seven changes, was philosophical about the defeat, acknowledging Cahill’s goal just before half-time changed the game.
The Italian is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: “I am happy with our performance until 2-0”.
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The game started at a brisk pace with both teams looking to attack, but no clear-cut chances were created in the first 15 minutes, apart from the goal Chelsea had ruled out when Pedro was adjudged to have been offside. Chelsea had more possession but we were very smart and clever to score twice. “We lost two unsafe men, David Luiz and Cahill, and at that point something changed”.
