Wenger refuses to comment on Mourinho ahead of Arsenal v Chelsea clash

Arsene Wenger refused to be drawn on his frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues head to Emirates Stadium this weekend looking for a victory to take a step closer towards winning their first Premier League title since 2010.

It is not about the relationship between the managers

Arsene Wenger

Mourinho’s side are currently 10 points ahead of their north London rivals heading into Sunday’s showdown in north London.

Wenger and Mourinho clashed on the sidelines back in October when Chelsea beatArsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

However, the Frenchman refused to comment on his relationship with his Chelsea counterpart heading into Sunday’s clash.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference at Arsenal’s training ground on Thursday morning, Wenger said: “I do not want to talk about that.

“What is interesting for people is when the game starts at 4pm we have a great game. It is not about the relationship between the managers.”

Wenger’s side have drawn five and lost seven of his 12 previous encounters with Jose Mourinho’s sides.

But the 65-year-old Frenchman, whose side have won their last eight games in the league, insists that record will not come into play on Sunday.

Wenger continued: “I think we have not always lost in 12 attempts. We have been close.

“Having said that, the result on Sunday will just be down to the performance on the day. We are on a good run and we have an opportunity at home to beat them and we want to take it.

“We have a good run of form and good belief and solidarity. We have passed many tests recently when we were questioned. We have another test on Sunday that we want to pass.

“Chelsea’s strengths are they have been very efficient on counter attacks and set-pieces as well. We have to nullify their strengths.