Ivanovic’s post-match statements revealed what really happened against Arsenal. Apparently the players are still adapting to Conte’s style and most importantly to his formations. The mistakes which led to the Gunners’ first two goals were a combination of lack of concentration and confusion which is not something you need against players like Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott or Mesut Ozil. Here is what the Serbian defender had to say as reported by Metro :

“We didn’t start the game in the way we wanted. We didn’t believe in what we were doing at the beginning and we were punished.”

“As a team we didn’t answer anything the manager asked of us, we have to be honest with ourselves and put more attention on the small details. We have to be more focused and concentrated on the game.”

“I know it’s very disappointing and it hurts all of us, but the opinion of everyone in the dressing room was in the same direction. We have to build on that, stay together, work hard, and believe in what we are doing. I am sure we can come out of it stronger. We have to stick together.”.

Conte does not have too many options right now when it comes to making the team. Whatever the formation, he will have to use the same defenders.  While Cahill, Ivanovic, Luiz, Azpiliqueta and the others are great, they still need time to learn how to adapt to the Italian’s strategy. The good news is that they might be getting two reinforcements by the end of February 2017.

The first would be Kurt Zouma. Conte said: “For Zouma, I hope to see him in the training sessions next week. He’s in good shape and I hope to see him next week in training, to start counting on him. Possibly [he will return after the international break]. Probably – we will wait one week more.”. Unfortunately, coming back from the kind of injury the Frenchman suffered is not an easy thing.

The second is player who could help implement Conte’s system is Italian international Leonardo Bonucci. Apparently the 29-year-old is still on his former manager’s transfer list despite a firm “No” sent from Juventus during rumored negotiations. The center-back would not say no to a move to the Premier League especially if Chelsea manage to stay up top and secure a spot in the Champions League next season. Bonucci could be a replacement for Terry despite his age. The Italian international will surely play for at least 3-4 more years so he would be a good investment.

Despite the 3-0 loss to Arsenal it is still early season and Conte has plenty of time to get the team the way he wants it. I guess you could say Arsenal were due a win having not won since 2011 vs the blues so Chelsea have had a brilliant run against Wenger and Company ended. Still I bet Wenger does not relish playing Chelsea next time when they will be looking for revenge.