Antonio Conte unconcerned by Chelsea's wayward finishing after second goalless draw in a row

Chelsea had the better of a mostly dull EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal but struggled to find the finishing touch in the final third

Marcos Alonso was one of those Chelsea players guilty of missing a chance (Getty Images)

Antonio Conte is not concerned about Chelsea’s lack of goals after a second successive 0-0 draw, and feels their EFL Cup semi-final with Arsenal is at “50-50” after a stalemate of a first leg at Stamford Bridge. The Italian feels his side have still been creating enough chances to be encouraged that the goals will come, although admitted that more work in training may be required.

Chelsea did have the better of a mostly dull game, but struggled to find the finishing touch.

“I think we have the same probability to go and to play the final at Wembley. 50-50,” Conte said. “Also because don’t forget, not to concede a goal at home could be very important for the second leg. At the same time, we know to play at the Emirates Stadium is not simple, not easy. We are ready. We deserved this opportunity to play the semi-final and we must be very happy to do this.

“For sure I think it would be better to win the game. Also 1-0. I think the positive thing is we didn’t concede a goal and when you play a semi-final with two games, to play at home and not concede could be important. Today we tried to win. We shot 20 times. We created chances to score, but we didn’t take them. I think in the last period we must be more clinical, better offensively. Otherwise, if you don’t score, if you’re lucky the game finishes in a draw. After Norwich it’s the second 0-0 in a row. We have to reflect on this and try to improve during training sessions and try to improve this situation.

“Honestly, I think you must be worried if you don’t create chances to score and it becomes very difficult to score. This team in every game creates chances to score. This season maybe we’re a bit unlucky. We’re not so good to take these chances. My speech is not for the strikers. For example, today [Andreas] Christensen had two fantastic opportunities to score. I think we have to improve with all the players, not only the strikers or midfielders. When you have the chance you have to score, especially in these games. When you play a semi-final you have to exploit.”

Conte was also very “positive” about the use of VAR during the game. It was used several times, and most conspicuously on two occasions to deny penalties for both sides.

“About VAR, I’m positive, I’m very positive. When I think there is a big doubt in the game, it’s right the referee and the other referee watch the video to make the best decision. Everybody wants less mistakes in the game. This could be positive. For sure you have to improve and understand when you start VAR you have to add more time in extra time. In Italy sometimes there are doubts two, three times during a game, extra time is seven, eight, nine minutes.”

Eden Hazard was taken off towards the end of the game, but Conte insisted this was not down to any fitness concerns, but was instead “tactical”.