Safe to say Ross Barkley's debut for Chelsea wasn't one to remember.When injury struck Willian in the 30th minute against Arsenal on Wednesday night, manager Antonio Conte weighed up his options and decided to throw on his January signing.But from the moment Barkley stepped onto the pitch is was clear he wasn't fully fit, losing the ball on several occasions and looking well off the pace.Indeed, within five minutes of the 24-year-old's introduction, he got completely outmuscled by Laurent Koscielny and lost possession when Chelsea were on the attack.Conte rightly admitted Barkley wasn't 100% in his post-match press conference but made some other rather curious comments about his new signing.In a rather scathing assessment, the Italian said he had no choice but to play Barkley when Willian got injured and that the Englishman must improve for Chelsea.Easy to see what's wrong with that statement - it would appear Conte is already judging Barkley despite him only just returning from injury.Furthermore, Barkley wasn't Conte's only attacking option on the bench - he had Michy Batshuayi, too, while Charly Musonda was available yet not included in the matchday squad.Here's what Chelsea's manager had to say:

"When there is an injury to one of your best players it is not simple, especially when on the bench the only substitue is Ross Barkley.

"Barkley has a lot of space for improvement, he is working with us only two weeks but for sure today I was forced to make this substitution, but he can improve a lot.

"I don't need anything, I'm a coach and I continue with my players."

Not exactly what Barkley wanted nor expected to hear from his new manager. Chelsea fans were equally as frustrated with Conte's approach.

CHELSEA FANS REACT

On the whole Conte was satisfied with his players' performance at the Emirates Stadium, though he was disappointed with the result and that they're out of the Carabao Cup.

"My thoughts are there is disappointment for the final result," he added. "I think my players must be pleased with their effort.

"We tried to reach the final, we conceded two goals and we were unlucky, two deflections. We started very well, played a good first half and in the second half I saw a lot of balance.

"It is a pity because we had a good run in this competition, it is a pity for me, the players and fans."