Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger used his press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Chelsea to dismiss reports that suggested former Blues boss Jose Mourinho had said he wanted to "break his face." 

In a new book by journalist Rob Beasley called Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal, it’s stated the Manchester United manager was angry with Wenger over his criticism of Chelsea’s sale of Juan Mata to the Red Devils in January 2014 (h/t the Daily Mail).

"When Mr. Wenger criticises [Chelsea] and [United] over the deal with Mata...I will find him one day outside a football pitch, and I will break his face,” Mourinho said, according to Beasley.

When asked about the comments, Wenger was coy, per James Olley of the Evening Standard:

“I am not in destructive mode, never,” the Frenchman added, per Alistair Tweedale of the Daily Telegraph. “I'm more constructive.”

Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror reported that Wenger wasn’t particularly pleased when Mourinho was brought up in the press conference for a second time:

The two have never seen eye-to-eye, and during a clash between the Gunners and Chelsea in 2014, the pair were involved in a tussle on the touchline. Per Beasley, Mourinho has previously branded Wenger a "specialist in failure" and a "voyeur."

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The backdrop to their personal rivalry has frequently been matches between Arsenal and Chelsea, and the two teams will meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in what’s set to be a massive Premier League game.

Chelsea's biggest threat is Diego Costa, who has netted five goals in five league matches this season. How will Arsenal cope with him? “By being cold-blooded and respecting the rules of the game,” Wenger said, per Tweedale.

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Last season, the clashes between the two sides saw three red cards for Arsenal, with the defeat at Stamford Bridge particularly ill-tempered. Wenger spoke of the importance of his players keeping their cool in what’s likely to be a pulsating contest, per Arsenal's Twitter account:

It’s a big game for Chelsea, too, as they'll be seeking to build impetus in the Premier League again after their 2-1 loss to Liverpool in their most recent league fixture.

Manager Antonio Conte got his approach wrong that evening, with the Blues giving up the initiative. Nevertheless, Wenger expects Chelsea to use a similar game plan.

"They have strong defensive solidity and will try to catch us on break," he said, per Tweedale. "[Eden] Hazard, Willian and Costa—we need to stop them. That will be key."

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In terms of team news, Wenger revealed Olivier Giroud will face a late fitness test to see whether he can be involved, while Aaron Ramsey will not be in contention until after the next international break in October, per Tweedale. 

Wenger offered up further detail on Ramsey’s issue, relayed by Lewis:

This is an important contest for Arsenal. Wenger’s side has made some understated progress in recent weeks, although in the past, the Gunners have seen good work undone against strong sides. It’d be a huge boost if they were to secure three points against their London rivals for the first time since 2011.

Chelsea will likely adopt a similar approach to the one they so often use when visiting Arsenal; sitting deep, playing physically and counter-attacking with intelligence has worked well for them at the Emirates in recent years.

If the Gunners can rise to that challenge, their place in this title picture would be much more secure.