Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho played down his decision not to shake hands with Arsene Wenger at full time of the Community Shield.
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Arsène Wenger has recommended that José Mourinho check the “real statistics” if he wants to scrutinise Arsenal‘s transfer policy, citing his record of developing young players and adding that he does not think it worth listening to the Chelsea manager.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s smart first-half strike settled matters at Wembley Stadium and gave Wenger, embarking on his 20th season at the Arsenal helm, a first win over his Portuguese nemesis on the 14th attempt.
It took some time, but Arsene Wenger finally tasted victory over nemesis Jose Mourinho.
On John Terry, Mourinho said: “Nobody can expect him to play every minute of the Premier League season”.
Wenger and Mourinho previously put their personal issues to one side at a UEFA coaches forum, but they are feuding again because of the Chelsea manager’s repeated provocation.
With the attack sorted, Wenger is taking a gamble by seemingly not being in the market for another central defender or a defensive midfielder.
With the Community Shield in the bag, Arsenal are expected to start the season on the front foot against West Ham on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. “We have good form, so whether we can keep that and start the season well is the key”.
He then netted 42 goals in as many matches as Arsenal went on to be crowned champions for the third season in succession.
Chelsea have so far signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic – as a replacement for Petr Cech, who switched to Arsenal – and striker Radamel Falcao, on loan from Monaco.
Whilst the encounter between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners is classed as a friendly, developments over the summer around these two clubs makes this a potentially feisty encounter.
“We won against a good team, we won another trophy…so that’s positive”.
Arsenal rested key players including striker Alexis Sanchez who returned to training later than most of his team mates after helping Chile to win Latin America’s Copa America.
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It’s hard to say whether Arsenal are legitimate title contenders, but one thing is certain – if they find a way to play consistent throughout the season, they will be able to fight Chelsea for the title.
