Chelsea vs Arsenal: Why Conte allowed Wenger bring on Giroud despite team-sheet error

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, appeared to do Arsenal a favour during their friendly in Beijing, as he stepped in to give Arsene Wenger special permission to use Olivier Giroud.

Wenger was ready to bring on Giroud as Alexandre Lacazette’s replacement in the Bird’s Nest, when Chinese officials stepped in and stopped the substitution.

It then emerged that the Gunners had failed to name the striker on their team sheet for the pre-season friendly.

Both Wenger and Vic Akers, part of the Arsenal staff, were furious, as the officials refused to relent and the administrative error threatened to leave the Gunners red-faced.

At that point, Akers approached Conte, who seemingly made it clear that he had no problem with Giroud being used, despite the paperwork issues