Football
John Brewin, ESPN FC 9y

John Terry: Chelsea defeat to Arsenal was horrible but could be wake-up call

Chelsea captain John Terry hopes losing to Arsenal in Sunday's Community Shield can serve as a blessing in disguise for the defending Premier League champions.

Arsenal won 1-0 through a goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Chelsea struggled to assert their usual dominance over their London rivals.

"It hurts," Terry admittedĀ of having to watch Arsenal lift the trophy. "When you see them walk up, 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."

Chelsea lost an unbeaten record against Arsenal going back to October 2011, with manager Arsene Wenger also claiming victory over Jose Mourinho at the 14th time of asking.

"Losing is just horrible in all aspects," Terry said. "Forget the record, there was a trophy on the line. It means a lot because you work all season to be here. They earned the right to be here by winning the FA Cup, so did we by winning the league.

"That's the mentality I was brought up in, that's the same from the manager on a daily basis. That's what he wants and demands from his players as well. It was a different atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. We haven't lost many at Wembley."

Saturday sees Chelsea begin their title defence with the visit of Swansea City to Stamford Bridge.

"We have experience in the squad, we have the character," Terry said. "It's going to be even tougher this year. We go again and prepare ourselves for Swansea."

Chelsea play a friendly against Fiorentina this week as Mourinho completes his preseason preparations, with the coach admitting after the Arsenal game that his players were not quite at their peak.

"I think these games are always a bit slow anyway, the players are still finding their feet and fitness," Terry said. "It's served a good purpose for that, but I'm obviously disappointed we didn't win.

"We have another game on Wednesday, which will give a few other players and the late arrivals a chance to get a few more minutes under their belt. The most important thing is the Swansea game and the three points."

Sunday saw Chelsea having to get used to the sight of former goalkeeper Petr Cech in an Arsenal shirt, as he kept a clean sheet in a good defensive performance from the Gunners.

"It was typical from Pete -- great as always," Terry added. "I think we have to get over the fact he's left now. He's moved on to a very good side. We have enough in our squad to concentrate on ourselves."

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