Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Community Shield at Wembley – Arsene Wenger’s first victory over Jose Mourinho in 14 attempts.
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Arsene Wenger, left, suggested a lack of respect was behind his decision to snub Jose Mourinho after the Community Shield.
However, it was clear after the full-time whistle that their long-running feud is showing no signs of coming to an end, as the Blues manager made a point of congratulating the Arsenal players before Wenger walked straight passed him with making eye-contact.
In February last year, Mourinho claimed Wenger was “a specialist in failure”, while the Arsenal boss has previously accused his Chelsea counterpart of being “disrespectful”. What I think is that he shows more authority to dictate the game than before.
The Welsh worldwide was one of the brightest prospects at Cardiff City and was attracting interest from the Premier League clubs in 2008.
“If other people didn’t come in my direction, that’s not a problem, that’s not a story, that’s not the end of the world“.
Costa was the Swans’ destroyer-in-chief last season, netting five goals against Garry Monk’s team in respective 4-2 and 5-0 wins. “Our game is based on togetherness, on solidarity, and defending and attacking well”, said Wenger. “Well done. Congratulations”. In the first half he worked very hard, didn’t get too much service, but he worked very hard.
Wenger does his best to shrug off his record against Mourinho, treating questions on the subject with a wry smile.
Chelsea responded with a good spell of pressure but Ramires wasted a great headed chance and it was no surprise to see him hooked early in the second half, having done his usual trick of kicking a few opponents along the way.
“The fact that he added some steel to his game that was needed – certainly in the Premier League”.
“He likes to get young kids with talent and natural ability and turn them into world-class players”. We have to accept that.
“But I also have my opinion, different from your opinion. And the defensive team won”, he said. “I’m proud of that”.
Cech also kept out Kurt Zouma’s header, as Arsenal held on to a slim victory to snap Chelsea’s eight-game unbeaten run. We didn’t equalise, we didn’t play at our normal level.
Chelsea missing striker Diego Costa no thanks to a hamstring injury could not fashion out an opening in the fairly organised Arsenal defence.
“He is conscious of it and wants to do it now so I am confident in that”.
“I must honestly say that it [having not beaten Mourinho previously] didn’t play on my mind at all”.
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Losing, or indeed winning, in this competition is hardly a real barometer of how sides will fair for the remainder of the campaign.
