John Terry: Loss to Arsenal was horrible

John Terry

London: Captain John Terry has urged his Chelsea teammates to heed the wake-up call presented by their 1-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.


John Terry

The English Premier League champions were sluggish as their London rivals, through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's 24th-minute goal, recorded a rare victory against them.

The winger's powerful finish was Arsenal's first goal against Chelsea in 506 minutes, and ended the Blues' eight-match unbeaten run against them.

Terry remained adamant that they were the superior side and refused to dismiss the fixture as a friendly and hoped the defeat would ensure that they were better prepared.

"There was a trophy on the line," said the 34-year-old, whose side host Swansea on Saturday in their opening Premier League fixture. "It hurt when you saw them walk up the (Wembley) stairs to lift it.

It means a lot because you work all season to be here. No matter if it's a friendly or a Community Shield - it's a trophy at the end of the day. It's horrible. It's not nice.

At the same time, it could be a blessing in disguise for us - a wake-up call. We have experience in the squad - we have the character. It's going to be even tougher this year. We go again and prepare ourselves for Swansea."

Chelsea had only returned from a pre-season largely spent in USA on Wednesday while Arsenal, who resumed training a week earlier, appeared fresher.

"I don't think so," he replied when asked if Chelsea were tired. "I thought we were on top, if anything. I think these games are always a bit slow anyway - the players are still finding their feet and fitness. (Losing's) horrible, whether it's against my kids or anyone. That's the mentality I was brought up in.

"It was a different atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. We haven't lost many at Wembley. It's maybe the boost we needed and we go again for the season."