Conte hails his strikers after Wembley victory

Antonio Conte praised both his strikers after Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final triumph.

Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata scored in the 2-0 victory over Southampton at Wembley.

Boss Conte started with both at Burnley in midweek and has suggested he will do so again in the future.

But Giroud’s physical strength led Conte to start with him in attack and Morata on the bench.

Giroud netted the opener 28 seconds into the second half and Morata scored soon after coming on for the Frenchman.

“I have another option. I have another card in my hand,” Conte declared.

“But I started with Olivier because I knew we had to play three central defenders who are very strong physically.

“So I decided to start with Giroud, but when Morata came on the impact was impressive.”

Good signing

Giroud’s goal was his third in as many games and his fourth since being signed from Arsenal in January.

“For sure he has been a good signing for us,” Conte said.

“I needed a player with his characteristics – strong physically, to hold the ball up to allow our number 10 to make combinations with him.

“And Morata is an important striker. He is younger than Olivier, has less experience and is less strong physically, but he is very fast. I am pleased for both.”

Chelsea, runners up last year, will play Manchester United in next month’s final.

It could be Conte’s final match at the helm, with the club being widely tipped to replace him at the end of the season. 

“The most important thing is to reach your target; in this case to reach the final of this competition,” he said. 

“It will be the second final in a row for us and very important for the players, the club and especially for the fans.

“I am delighted for our fans. They have always showed great passion and enthusiasm and pushed us a lot. To have this satisfaction is important.”