Thomas Tuchel made an awkward joke about Romelu Lukaku's inclusion in his Chelsea line-up ahead of the Premier League match against Arsenal.
The Gunners left Stamford Bridge with all three points after a brace from Eddie Nketiah helped inspire a 4-2 win for Mikel Arteta's side. Blues boss Tuchel left Kai Havertz out of his starting XI as Romelu Lukaku made a return to the starting line-up.
And while discussing the decision with Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, the Blues boss made a rather awkward joke about the Belgium international's situation at Stamford Bridge. It comes as Mason Mount has declared he wants 'payback' over Liverpool in next month's FA Cup final after Chelsea's loss on penalties to Jurgen Klopp's side in the Carabao Cup in March.
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Arsenal talking points
Chelsea fell to a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as the Gunners reignited their hopes of finishing in the Premier League's top four.
Chelsea twice came back from behind as goals from Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta ensured the sides went into the break level after Eddie Nketiah's opener before Emile Smith Rowe's fine finish. But another Nketiah goal and Bukayo Saka's late penalty sealed a valuable win for Mikel Arteta's side at Stamfod Bridge.
It was a game full of talking points, including Lukaku's continued struggles and Chelsea missing Antonio Rudiger.
Tuchel's awkward joke
Thomas Tuchel offered an awkward response when asked by Sky Sports why he was starting Romelu Lukaku in Chelsea's Premier League match against Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge last summer in a club-record £97.5million deal but things have not worked out quite as hoped and the Belgium international has struggled for form, netting just 12 times in 37 appearances for his side in all competitions. That has led to speculation he could seek a move elsewhere in the summer transfer window – with former side Inter Milan said to be interested in bringing him back to the club on loan.
And ahead of the match against Arsenal, Tuchel joked he had put Lukaku in the side due to the relentless questions about the Chelsea forward and his future.
Mount demands 'payback'
Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount has demanded 'payback' on Liverpool when the two sides meet in the FA Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp's side overcame the Blues in a thrilling penalty shootout to win the Carabao Cup in March, meaning Mount has been to five finals at Wembley without winning with his side. And the Blues ace has said "now it is time to get payback" over Liverpool for their defeats to the Reds – and Thomas Tuchel says he thinks it's 'good' for his players to approach the game hoping for revenge.
