Conte bemoans ‘two key moments’ after Wembley defeat

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admitted a controversial opening goal and the sending-off of Victor Moses were the “two key moments” in his team’s FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal.

Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring for the Gunners after handling the ball in the build up, and Moses’ dive in the penalty area midway through the second half earned him a second yellow card.

Chelsea nevertheless hit back with an equaliser from Diego Costa, but Aaron Ramsey restored Arsenal’s lead a couple of minutes later.

It meant the Premier League champions missed out on the Double, leaving Conte to rue the decision to allow Sanchez’s goal to stand.

“Our start for sure wasn’t good enough. Arsenal started the game better than us,” Conte said.

“I think the first goal should have been disallowed. There was a clear handball. I don’t understand this decision.

“But our start wasn’t good. Then in the second half we started to play and the red card for sure was one of two key moments along with the first goal.

“Despite this we were able to equalise, but then we conceded the second goal and it was very difficult.”

But Conte insisted his players should be proud of their achievements this season.

“We must be proud. We have had an incredible season.” he said.