Why FA Cup final heartbreak is a blessing in disguise for Chelsea

Antonio Conte tried to put a brave face on things, but he was convincing nobody. Chelsea's remarkable season would have to be remembered as merely one of the most impressive league campaigns in the modern roll-call of Premier League champions. The double would have to wait for another day.

But the by far superior FA Cup final performance by Arsenal, followed by Arsene Wenger's wry quizzical references to his imagined future, will not cause Conte's achievements to be overshadowed in the record books. Though it may take some time, Conte will learn to bask in the miracles he made happen at Chelsea in 2016-17.

However, that little bit of hurt, of no doubt private regret, will do him and Chelsea no harm this summer.

Did Conte's men celebrate too hard in the aftermath of the title win? Certainly late nights and booze featured – though surely not in anywhere near the same measures in which they were taken by those in the stands.

And there also appeared to be a deficit of mental preparation for the unexpected ferocity of Arsenal's onslaught: the Gunners seemed far more equipped to steam into every 50-50, literally wanting this more than Chelsea.

The slightly haphazard approach to this game was further evidenced by the accidental omission of the promised black armbands in the first half: no lack of respect or deference; but a clear lack of organisation on the big day.

All of these matters are part of a learning curve: remember, at 47, Conte is still a relatively young manager. These issues draw a picture of a club with room for improvement, and Conte is all about improving things.

There is a real feeling around Chelsea that the best is yet to come from this side. Reinforcements will be needed in the summer – the shallowness of this squad was another major contributory factor when it came to the final outcome. Looking at Saturday's starting XI, so trusted by Conte this season, it is easy to pick as many as five players unlikely to be first-team regulars come September. The drive is for improvement: the system Conte works should mature like a fine wine, and the addition of greater squad depth will help even more.

Across the stadium on Saturday was a team on the wane. Yes, deserved FA Cup winners this season, but missing out on Wenger's famously coveted fourth-place trophy. Elsewhere in north London, there were murmurings of discord from Chelsea's only true league rivals this season as Danny Rose mused about whether some players in Tottenham's squad may feel that particular project had been taken as far as was possible.

The sharks will certainly be circling some of Mauricio Pochettino's top talent, with Harry Kane, in particular, more than able to double his salary elsewhere. Liverpool too seem to take at least one step back for each one forward, and there will be much expectation for Jurgen Klopp to deliver, or face the consequences, once things restart once more.

The less predictable foes are the two Manchester clubs. Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in getting his wholesale reshuffle underway and Jose Mourinho is also expected to spend big in this transfer window. But, of the top six clubs, the direction of travel, and the clarity of what is needed next, is more obvious at Chelsea than anywhere else.

And the frailties exposed by the FA Cup final deliver the vital impetus to take the steps that are required.

That was something missing, for example, during the first (and only) post-season of Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea reign – and we all know what happened next after he won the Double.

Conte will be hurting now. But, along with the eventual realisation that this was a great season for Chelsea, he may one day be grateful for the extra focus delivered by Chelsea's failure to produce for him a truly perfect first season.