Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Key Jose Mourinho Comments from Pre-Match Press Conference

Jose Mourinho expects Cesc Fabregas to deal with whatever reception Arsenal fans give him on Sunday.

The Spaniard heads to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since returning to England during the upcoming Premier League match, which could see him play a major role in the toppling of his former club.

Mourinho doesn't expect Cesc to become fazed, as noted in his pre-match press conference, per Chelsea's official Twitter feed:

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger previously suggested he wants Fabregas to receive a positive reception when he turns out for the Gunners' rivals, per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World:

Wenger also admitted he still holds "regret" over letting Fabregas join Barcelona in 2011, per John Cross of the Mirror. Mourinho perhaps twisted the knife by hinting his Chelsea team will be built around the player for years to come, as reported by Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC:

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The Blues travel to north London knowing they are two wins away from capturing the title. If they beat Arsenal, victory in Wednesday's trip to Leicester City will be enough to wrap the famous trophy in blue ribbons once more.

The manager isn't taking anything for granted yet, per Delaney:

Mourinho previously called Wenger a "specialist in failure," and during October's reverse fixture, the Frenchman shoved his opposite number on the touchline. When asked about their relationship, Mourinho suggested nothing is out of the ordinary, per Delaney:

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa decided the last encounter. Mourinho is yet to make a decision on the latter's fitness for the upcoming fixture, but he should have his striking options eased, per Chelsea's feed:

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Seven yellow cards were issued the last time these two teams met. Chelsea scored from their only shots on target, while Arsenal mustered just one attempt between the sticks, per Soccerway.

Wenger's men have relied on relentless closing down and pressure to overcome Manchester City and Manchester United in recent times, a tactic they will need to utilise to stop Chelsea enjoying the dominant share of possession.

Arsenal will take heart from United's successful attempt to do this last week, when they limited the Blues to 29.6 percent of the ball, according Sky Sports. However, the manager's record is extremely poor against Mourinho, also noted by Sky Sports:

Second-place Arsenal can move seven points behind Chelsea if they grab the win.

The Blues' only defeats of the season have come away from home, so the Gunners crowd will be optimistic of grabbing three points. While these aren't likely to be valuable in the title race, another win is a step closer to securing Champions League qualification for Arsenal.

Mourinho's attitude remains nonchalant in the knowledge his team have room to lose three games and still secure the trophy. His tactics often make the difference in important matches, something Wenger knows all too well.