OptiNews - Friday 16 to Thursday 22 March 2018

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FA Cup semi-final draw: Manchester United to play Tottenham, Chelsea face Southampton

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Manchester United will face Tottenham at Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Chelsea take on Southampton in the other game at the national stadium.

A cup triumph for the Red Devils will see them equal Arsenal’s record haul of 13 FA Cup wins, while Spurs have not won the competition since 1991.

2012 winners Chelsea, who edged past Leicester at the King Power Stadium will be looking to deny the south coast side their first final since 2003.

Both ties to be played on the weekend of April 21/22.

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Sourced from Reuters.co.uk article

Chelsea made FA Cup favourites

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LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea were made favourites to win the FA Cup after being drawn against outsiders Southampton in the semi-final on Sunday.

The two other fancied sides, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were thrown together in a glamorous tie.

Both ties will be at Wembley Stadium, which has been Spurs’ home ground this season while White Hart Lane is being rebuilt.

The matches will take place on 21 and 22 April.

It was a good day for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who is widely expected to leave at the end of the season, only 12 months after winning the Premier League.

Losing to Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek meant the FA Cup was the last trophy his team could win to salvage a disappointing season.

They were taken to extra time in the quarter-final at Leicester City, but substitute Pedro scored to earn a 2-1 win.

Now they will be up against a former Stamford Bridge hero in Mark Hughes, whose first match as manager of Southampton brought a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic in Sunday’s other quarter-final.

Hughes played for them from 1995-98, winning the cup in 1997.

This season Chelsea beat Southampton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in December. The teams will meet on successive weekends as the return game is at Southampton on 14 April.

“When you arrive at this point, every game is difficult,” Conte said. “Southampton have just changed coach but now it is important to be happy and to go for another game at Wembley. If you can win a trophy it is important for a team like Chelsea.”

Spurs and Manchester United have shared the points in their two league meetings this season.

United won 1-0 at Old Trafford in October but were beaten 2-0 at Wembley in January, conceding the opening goal to Christian Eriksen after 11 seconds.

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Garth’s Team of the Week: Vorm, Salah, Eriksen, Lukaku & Matic among picks

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There were Premier League wins this weekend for Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Everton and Liverpool, for whom Mohamed Salah scored four times, while Tottenham, Manchester United, Southampton and Chelsea made it through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

But who has impressed me most? Here is my team for this week…

He had practically nothing to do until Martin Olsson hit a 20-yard stinger in the hope it might get Swansea back into the game. It would have done had Michel Vorm not been in superb form. Not only did Vorm deny Olsson what would have been a fabulous goal but the former Swansea keeper immediately popped up like a jack-in-the box to make a double save, this time from Tammy Abraham who was only six yards out. An excellent performance from Tottenham’s ‘second choice’ keeper.

Did you know? Michel Vorm made two saves against previous employers Swansea, keeping his first clean sheet away from home since February 2017 (against Fulham).

Cedric Soares: There have been five teams who have played in an FA Cup final and been relegated in the same season and Southampton could join them. Their win against Wigan gave me mixed feelings. I’m not entirely sure of the merits of Mark Hughes walking straight into a job, having taken Stoke to the brink of relegation, but that’s football. What did impress me was Cedric Soares’ superb finish that clinched the tie. The ball to him by Nathan Redmond was not an easy pass to take but the full-back brought it under control and finished brilliantly.

Did you know? Soares, in what was his 88th appearance, scored his first Southampton goal.

Cesar Azpilicueta: It has been a very challenging week for Chelsea and lesser teams might have crumbled after they were destroyed by Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek. All credit however to their captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, who rallied his troops against a determined Leicester and led them into another FA Cup semi-final. There have been plenty of shenanigans going on at Stamford Bridge this season and they can be traced back to the defeat in last season’s FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal. Chelsea now have a chance to rectify that appalling performance by beating Southampton. It might even save Antonio Conte’s job.

Did you know? Only N’Golo Kante (12) gained possession back more often than Azpilicueta (11) against Leicester.

James Tomkins: It’s about time Crystal Palace had some good fortune. The Eagles were desperately unlucky at home to Spurs and Manchester United, and deserved something for their efforts in both games. The goal by James Tomkins away at Huddersfield was a tad fortunate but Roy Hodgson won’t lose a wink of sleep over that. Tomkins would have had a second but for some excellent defending on the line by Steve Mounie. Out of the bottom three they may be, but Palace are still involved in a terrible scrap for survival.

Did you know? In addition to opening the scoring at Huddersfield, Tomkins also made a team-high 11 clearances.

Andy Robertson: What a cross from Andy Robertson for Mohamed Salah. It was a world-class ball from a young Scot who has only played a handful of games for club and country. The Champions League draw has pulled Liverpool versus Manchester City out as the tie of the round. It will be a game of huge importance for both clubs. I will be very interested to see how Robertson copes in that environment.

Did you know? As well as recovering possession 12 times, the Liverpool full-back provided the assist for Salah’s second goal of the game.

Luka Milivojevic: It’s not been an easy season for Crystal Palace but the victory away at Huddersfield will go a long way to making the Eagles feel an awful lot better. The arrival of Luka Milivojevic in midfield has provided an element of steel and a lot of nerve. The Serbia international has produced important penalty conversions during this Premier League campaign for the Eagles but none more so than against Huddersfield. Palace are going to have to demonstrate nerves of steel if they are going to survive this season. Milivojevic definitely has what it takes in that department.

Did you know? After yet another goal from the penalty spot, Milivojevic has now netted six penalties in the Premier League this season - more than any other player.

Nemanja Matic: Can anyone explain why Antonio Conte sold Matic to one of his main rivals? I didn’t understand it at the time and it makes even less sense to me now. Against Brighton the Serbia international was imperious. Matic is not a star and refuses to crave the limelight in the same manner as Paul Pogba for example - although there is nothing wrong with that if you are performing. However Matic joining United has left Chelsea, and more importantly Conte, exposed and placed United in a much more favourable position. Exceptionally poor judgment by Conte.

Did you know? In Saturday’s game between Manchester United and Brighton, no player had more touches of the ball than Matic (136).

Christian Eriksen: This was an impressive performance by Spurs and in particular Christian Eriksen. Tottenham dominated Swansea and find themselves in the semi-final of the FA Cup for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile Eriksen strolled through this game with such consummate ease there were times you thought it was a training session. The question now is whether Spurs can take advantage of their current rented accommodation and win a trophy. If so, Wembley would have been useful after all.

Did you know? Eriksen had more shots (6), more shots on target (5), scored more goals (2) and made more key passes (6) than any other player on the pitch against Swansea.

Mohammed Salah: Everything this man touches seems to turn to gold. Thirty-six goals in 41 appearances for Liverpool is quite extraordinary. Former Liverpool greats like Peter Thompson and Steve Highway never got anywhere near that return. Liverpool fans may have to brace themselves, however, for an audacious bid from Real Madrid in the summer. This lad is having the same impact across Europe as Gareth Bale had in his final season at Tottenham. And we all know what happened after that.

Did you know? Salah scored with 100% of his shots against Watford, netting four times in a 5-0 win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Cenk Tosun: I haven’t been totally convinced by Tosun’s performances since he arrived at Goodison Park and I rather suspect neither has Sam Allardyce. To suddenly single Tosun out for special praise is a sure indication of the manager’s relief that the striker (who wasn’t cheap) is now hitting the back of the net on a more regular basis. His two goals against Stoke, in appalling conditions, smacked of a natural striker’s instincts. Allardyce now suggests 40 points allows Everton the luxury of building for next season. I suggest those building blocks centre on Tosun scoring 20 goals otherwise both manager and striker could end up on Everton’s cutting-room floor.

Did you know? The Turkey international netted his double from just three shots on target at the Bet365 Stadium.

Romelu Lukaku: Romelu Lukaku is looking more like Didier Drogba the more I see him. From his first headed clearance on the edge of his own six-yard box, to his coolly taken opening goal, the United striker has had a resurgence in form and looks a powerhouse. I have seen him in this form for Everton, of course, but he is developing into a much better team player and manager Jose Mourinho must take the credit for that.

Did you know? No other Premier League player has scored in more games in 2018 than Romelu Lukaku (9 games).

You’ve seen my picks this week. But who would you go for?

Choose your XI from the shortlist selected by BBC Sport journalists and share it with your friends.

Mourinho’s midweek news conference rant was the best television I’ve seen in years. Every now and then a top manager will concede to the pressure and go into meltdown. I’ve seen Rafa Benitez do it while he was managing Liverpool, Arsene Wenger completely lose it on the touchline with Martin Jol and Alan Pardew, and who can forget Kevin Keegan’s ‘I would just love it’ outburst which precipitated the end of Newcastle United’s title hopes. All brought about due to extreme pressure.

Mourinho’s verbal explosion reminded me of the intransigent Brian Clough at his best. The nation loved to hate Clough. The former Nottingham Forest manager was at his most entertaining when under siege. He was merciless with signings that failed him, and totally dismissive of stars. In fact the bigger the star, the more dismissive he was of them. Mourinho comes from the same school and, like Clough, the most important man in the club is himself. This is his style and it has served him well. For both men, failure was never an option and they will defend themselves and their ‘record’ when under attack zealously, which is why Mourinho’s outburst was so interesting. And, by the way, factually correct.

I have arguably been, and remain, one of Mourinho’s biggest critics. Not because I don’t like him but because I don’t like his brand of football. If Mourinho was to ditch this dreadful but successful functional game he insists on playing for something more worthy of the team he manages, he would get the love and affection he desperately craves - as Clough did. In the absence of that, and winning trophies, he will continue to get dog’s abuse from all quarters of the press and a section of United fans. We, in return, will get the occasional outburst - but even Mount Vesuvius erupts every now and then.

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Sourced from London Evening Standard article

Conte: Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with Southampton won’t be easy

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Antonio Conte has dismissed the idea that Southampton will be easy FA Cup semi-final opponents for Chelsea.

The Blues were drawn to play the Saints in the last four of the competition on Sunday after Chelsea secured a 2-1 extra-time win over Leicester while Southampton beat Wigan 2-0 away earlier in the day.

Chelsea could have been drawn to play either Tottenham or Manchester United, but Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho’s sides will instead now play each other at Wembley.

Despite Chelsea already having beaten Southampton, who currently reside in the Premier League relegation zone, 1-0 earlier in the season Conte rejected the idea the Saints will be simple to beat - as Manchester City found out when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Wigan.

“When you arrive at this point of the tournament it’s very difficult to consider an easy game,” Conte told reporters at the King Power Stadium.

"We must be ready to fight to try to reach the final at Wembley for the second time in a row. It will be very important for us, but we must know Southampton will have the same idea.

“We want to give the best satisfaction to our fans who pushed us a lot today. I want to say thanks to them.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/03/2018 01:43:35

| | Stick or twist: the life of a Premier League manager90MINUTESATATIME |
| | Conte intent on sealing FA Cup revenge as Blues reach semisCITYAM |
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| 5 things we learned from this weekend’s FA Cup matchesBTSPORT |
| | Southampton boss speaks about FA Cup clash with Chelsea101GREATGOALS |
| | Report: Southampton and Stoke City chasing Wout Weghorst | SportslensSPORTSLENS |

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Mauricio Pochettino cannot dismiss FA Cup plus my team of the weekend

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How does a team create a winning mentality? Mauricio Pochettino has said repeatedly that it is developed by consistent success in the Premier League, not by lifting trophies like the FA Cup.

‘The Premier League is the true test,’ the Tottenham manager said last week. ‘Copa del Rey, FA Cup, they are very short periods and sometimes it is a coincidence.’

I love Pochettino’s hunger and desire to win football’s biggest prizes - you can see it in his eyes - but he should not overlook the importance the FA Cup can have in turning his team into winners.

I reached the Cup final with Liverpool in 1996 when we faced Manchester United. These were two promising young teams — the Class of 92 were breaking through at Old Trafford, while we had the likes of Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Eric Cantona’s late volley won it for United to seal a second Double for Sir Alex Ferguson and for us, that final is remembered more for the awful white suits we wore beforehand. Had we won, I felt it would have had a galvanising effect on our squad and given us a great platform to challenge United.

This Tottenham team is simply too good to go three seasons without silverware but they cannot seem to get over the line in pivotal matches. We saw it against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and Juventus in the Champions League. Tottenham are in danger of being remembered as the great under-achievers but an FA Cup triumph — after beating United in the semi-finals and most likely Chelsea in the final — would prevent that.

They will be able to open their new stadium by parading a trophy. Pictures of captain Hugo Lloris lifting the Cup can adorn the ground.

It will also help Tottenham keep hold of their best players. It would only take the departure of Kane, Alli or even Pochettino for this wonderful side to start breaking up.

Winning the FA Cup would be far more than a one-off success. It was the first trophy Manchester City won before lifting the Premier League title in 2012. It gave that squad their first taste of being winners. The FA Cup may be diminished in status but Pochettino should view it as a stepping stone to the trophies he really wants.

Christian Eriksen has reached another level with Spurs this season. He has gone from a nice player to a ruthless playmaker who thrives when running games.

Eriksen is as important to Mauricio Pochettino as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min. As Swansea discovered to their peril on Saturday, give him time and space and he will destroy you.

This Bournemouth team never know when they are beaten! Their fightback against West Brom means they have now won 16 points from losing positions this season — more than any other club in the Premier League.

What sets Eddie Howe’s team apart from the rest of the bottom half is their abundance of pace and power in attack. Howe can look around his dressing room and see Callum Wilson, Jordon Ibe, Junior Stanislas, Josh King and Jermain Defoe — all players who can pop up with vital goals.

Bournemouth have an ability to change a game that even some of the sides above them must envy.

It was great to see England call-ups for James Tarkowski and Lewis Cook, who I have been very impressed by in recent weeks. Now there is a debate over the way Gareth Southgate should set up his team.

While there have been calls to go with a back four, I believe he should stick to a back three. It proved effective in stopping Brazil and Germany but it can help England get on the front foot, too.

England have great full backs in Kyle Walker and Danny Rose, who is returning to fitness. This system will allow two of our most dangerous players to shine.

Already Mark Hughes looks a great fit for Southampton. He may not have inherited the best squad but he is the right man to get results with these players.

This was a potentially tricky tie to negotiate at Wigan but, having been knocked out in the third round with Stoke, Hughes is just 90 minutes from the FA Cup final.

In Nathan Redmond, he has a winger blessed with pace which he used to great effect against Wigan. If he can keep Redmond firing between now and the end of the season, Southampton have a good chance of survival.

If Hughes does save them, the club must back him to rebuild this side rather than sell off Southampton’s best talent.

Three big managers — Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino — now find the FA Cup is their only source of silverware. Of the three, the Manchester United manager will be under the most pressure to deliver.

Since United’s Champions League exit, Mourinho has come under fire for his negative style of play. Attractive football is not what you get with a Jose team. Instead, he delivers trophies.

Win the FA Cup — his third major honour in two years — and he would silence his critics. Fail to do so and the scrutiny will increase.

It is well known that Crystal Palace do not win without Wilfried Zaha — but don’t underestimate the importance of Mamadou Sakho.

Palace were without a clean sheet in seven games before Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield but with Sakho back fit they claimed a vital 2-0 win.

When the centre back has started, Palace have lost just four of their 12 games — and three of those were against Manchester City, United and Tottenham. The return of Sakho and Zaha gives Palace a chance of beating the drop.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/03/2018 02:43:47

| | DAILYTIMESPK |
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| Spurs to meet United in FA Cup semisENFIELDHARINGEYINDY |
| | FA Cup 2018: Chelsea, Southampton into final fourSYDNEYHERALD |
| | Stats: Wigan Athletic v SouthamptonVITALFOOTBALL |

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Premier League and FA Cup fans’ verdict

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The FA Cup ran side-by-side with the Premier League this weekend with Mohamed Salah stealing the show for Liverpool while Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton sealed a date at Wembley.

Sportsmail gets the verdict from prominent fans from all the clubs in action over the course of the weekend…

The importance of this game certainly got to Bournemouth’s players, who could not pick a pass. But for a freakish equaliser from Jordan Ibe, it would have been Albion’s day.

Junior Stanislas’ winning free-kick strike was a moment of quality, while Daniels’ last minute clearance has probably sent West Brom down. I can’t remember when the Cherries last scored directly from a free-kick, but I’m mighty glad Stanislas has been practising!

I’m lost for words. How many times can a team throw away a lead? That’s 24 points dropped from winning positions now this season. If anything I’m looking forward to the Championship. We might actually win a game.

What a poor performance. Town’s midfield couldn’t cope with the press, and we weren’t allowed to play our natural game. That said, the opener came from poor defending at a set piece, while the second was a penalty. Town were limited to half-chances, and although Mounie and Pritchard tried to make things happen, there was little creativity. We were out-thought and out-played.

A much-needed three points when players are beginning to return from injury is no coincidence.

This was not just a win but a very good away performance and some revenge on that opening-day defeat.

While the hosts concentrated their efforts on Wilfried Zaha once again, it gave others the space which was used to their advantage. A real confidence booster going into the final run of games.

Relegation looms. All the big decisions went against us but we were, yet again, our own worst enemies. We make critical errors almost every week and we pay for them every time.

Charlie Adam’s last couple of contributions to the team have been fairly disastrous and his early red card here wiped out whatever chances we had of winning.

The tragedy is that without the harsh officiating and our own mistakes Everton could never have won this game and three priceless points could have been ours.

Instead though it looks as though we don’t have what it takes to save ourselves and that we’re heading to the Championship.

From not handling the English weather to sliding two goals in the snow, Cenk Tosun has saved Everton from embarrassment here. This was arguably one of the most boring matches I’ve ever seen, technically it looked like both us and Stoke wanted to see who can play the worst football.

Charlie Adam’s sending off was slightly harsh but Stoke benefitted from him being sent off.

Feel much happier now we’re at 40 points and have two wins on the spin, Allardyce has fulfilled his duties, time for him to go and go full pursuit for a new manager.

That’s how you bounce back. The real Liverpool didn’t show up at Old Trafford but they were back with a bang.

Mo Salah had his least-effective game for the club a week ago and the poor old Hornets felt the full backlash.

The whole team performed well but the Egyptian King’s display was so special that Kopites will be telling their grandkids about long after he’s finished playing.

He was truly magical and warmed up a baltic evening on Merseyside.

If Watford’s fate wasn’t sealed when Miguel Britos was named on the team sheet, it was when he was left for dead by Mo Salah inside five minutes for 1-0.

We were far from terrible but this Liverpool attack felt untouchable. Orestis Karnezis perhaps could have done better for their fourth and fifth, but bizarrely he had a good game despite conceding five.

Roberto Pereyra’s performance was encouraging, and had his free-kick been a foot lower he would have had an outstanding goal to his name, too.

A real disappointment to get knocked out of the Cup, in what was a really underwhelming performance considering the form we’ve shown recently.

Now we must focus on Premier League survival and there’ll be no excuses from now.

Every game must be at full strength and hopefully we can kick on.

FA Cup quarter-finals don’t come much easier than this.

Son was bright as a false nine with Lamela, Lucas Moura and the outstanding Eriksen all interchanging behind throughout.

When given time and space Spurs are unplayable at times and Swansea didn’t really look like they believed they could get anything from this.

Great chance to win the Cup now, and hopefully shut all those people up who are saying we need a trophy to vindicate our progress.

United played against Brighton like a university student approaches their first year: do the bare minimum to pass. The 2-0 scoreline was almost flattering. Nemanja Matic was our standout player.

The Cup run was fun while it lasted but no complaints at the exit. Once again we matched United in all areas but we got undone by two crosses of exceptional quality.

We kept their keeper busy, but no magic. It’s the next three games that we must concentrate on now.

They always say that every great journey must eventually come to an end.

It just wasn’t meant to be for the Latics today. Wigan did the town proud and can keep their heads held high.

Good luck to Southampton, deserved winners, and took their chances well.

Mark Hughes got off to the perfect start as Saints boss by securing a place in this years FA Cup Semi Final.

His words at half time changed the course of the match as Wigan were the better side in the first half.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg grabbed a deserved goal for his performances this season as Saints took the lead. After Manolo Gabbiadini won but missed his penalty Saints fans were fearing the worst, but late in injury time, ecstasy ensued as Cedric sealed the trip to England’s home of football after slotting excellently past Christian Walton.

A rash error from the otherwise solid Kasper Schmeichel allowed Pedro to sneak in front of him to score the winner.

Leicester had been on the back foot in the first half as Chelsea caused a whole host of problems.

The Foxes started the second half with a solid performance which continued with the tie going to extra-time.

It took 120 minutes but Chelsea beat a plucky Leicester side 2-1 after extra-time to set up a semi-final at Wembley against Southampton.

Once again it wasn’t the best performance from Antonio Conte’s side but we were able to grind out the result.

Goals from Alvaro Morata and Pedro sealed the win as we hold on to hopes of silverware and a top four finish.

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Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave apologises for FA Cup draw gaffe

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Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave has apologised for claiming Manchester United would face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Hipgrave claimed that United boss Jose Mourinho would be taking on his former side in the last-four at Wembley.

But in fact the Old Trafford club will take on Tottenham while Chelsea will play Southampton.

The presenter later took to Twitter and said: “That’s live tv, not my first mistake and certainly won’t be my last. Really sorry. Just checking you were all listening.”

Fellow presenter Gabby Logan leapt to her defence, saying, “My old boss at ITV used to say the viewers love a little mistake every now and again it makes you human. You rarely put a foot wrong. Don’t lose a moment’s sleep.”

But social media users were quick to pick up on the mistake…

Chelsea were made favourites to win the competition after being drawn against outsiders Southampton.

Both ties will be at Wembley, which has been Spurs’ home ground this season while White Hart Lane is being rebuilt.

The matches will take place on 21 and 22 April.

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Antonio Conte delighted with Chelsea’s ‘fighting spirit, desire and will’

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Antonio Conte hailed the fighting spirit, “desire and will” of his Chelsea players as they beat Leicester City 2-1 in extra time at the King Power Stadium to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Just four days after losing 3-0 in Barcelona, Chelsea dug deep to set up a semi-final against Southampton next month, with goals coming from Alvaro Morata and in extra time from Pedro Rodriguez.

Referring to the energy expended at the Nou Camp earlier this week, Conte praised his players’ effort and work-rate in difficult circumstances here at Leicester. “We must be pleased for the character we showed in this game against a really good team,” Conte said. “Don’t forget, in the last game at home we suffered a lot against Leicester. They’re a really good team with great players and great talent.”

“After a game in the Champions League, it wasn’t easy for us to play 120 minutes in this way. Tonight we fought a lot. We fought a lot against Leicester and showed a great desire and will to fight and to go to reach the semi-finals, and go for the second time in a row to Wembley.”

Last season Chelsea beat Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final before underperforming in the final and losing to Arsenal. Conte warned that the semi-final against Southampton would not be as easy as it might seem, but said he was motivated to go one better than last season and win this year’s trophy.

“Last season we reached the final of the FA Cup and lost,” Conte said. “Now I can tell you we have reached again the semi-final. We have a semi-final to play before the final, and every game is very difficult. It will be very difficult against Southampton. But we want to try and do our best in every competition. We want to try and do our best and give the best satisfaction to our fans, who pushed the team a lot today.”

Conte has never won a knockout competition as a manager but has another chance in the FA Cup this season, and reiterated how important it was to do well this year. “This trophy is very important, very important in this country,” Conte said. “There is great consideration given to this trophy. Last season it was a pity to lose the final. This season our target is to try and do our best and reach the final again this season. When we are able to reach the final, I want to try to change the final result compared to last season.”

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/03/2018 08:45:09

| | Hughes hails Wigan Athletic heroesWIGANTODAY |
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| ‘A worry’, ‘How much did we waste?’ - Southampton fans unhappy with Pellegrino signing after winFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | ‘He was immense’, ‘Most improved player’ - Southampton fans delighted with 22-year-old after winFOOTBALLFANCAST |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 19/03/2018 09:45:23

| | Hughes makes flying start as Southampton reach FA Cup semisTHENEWSCOMPK |
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| ‘Changed this game’, ‘Looked very good’ - Southampton fans loved 24-year-old in cup winFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | FA Cup Semi-Finals Draw: Manchester United Face Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea Take On Southampton – NDTV SportsNDTVCOM |
| | Wigan Athletic boss muses missed opportunityWIGANTODAY |
| | FA Cup Results: Wigan 0-2 SouthamptonTHESOUTHAFRICAN |

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Another packed out away end! :raised_hands:

Tickets #SaintsFC’s trip to #Arsenal in the #PL have now sold out! Thank you for yo… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/975672034167611392

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Another packed out away end! :raised_hands:

Tickets for #SaintsFC’s trip to #Arsenal in the #PL have now sold out! Thank you fo… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/975672813033000960

Retweets: 5

Favourites: 25

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Another packed out away end! :raised_hands:

Tickets for #SaintsFC’s trip to #Arsenal in the #PL have now sold out! Thank you fo… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/975673651503812608

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 26

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Who was your Saints Man of the Match vs Wigan? | Southampton reached the last four of the FA Cup for the first time since 2003 after a comfortable 2-0 victory at the … 19-03-2018 |

Older content…

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:speaking_head: “The support we had was magnificent.”

Mark Hughes thanked the :four:,:three::four::four: #SaintsFC fans at #WAFC: http://sfcne.ws/MHfansWA

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

A return to winning ways for @HarrisonReed and #NCFC :clap:

Read our #SaintsFC Loan Watch review from the weekend: http://sfcne.ws/SaintsLW1903

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