Reports are out claiming that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his side for apparently abandoning their philosophy in Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Chelsea.
The Gunners brought a resolute defence to Wembley to get the better of the reigning Premier League champions 1-0 in the annual pre-season clash between the FA Cup winners and the premiers.
After the match, Arsenal’s game style drew criticism from Blues manager Jose Mourinho who felt the north Londoners left ‘their philosophy in the dressing room’ and ‘changed their attitude’.
However, Wenger does not concur with the words of the Portuguese tactician who he finally managed to defeat in their 14th meeting.
“We abandoned nothing,” he said. “I believe today we defended because maybe it was a bit of a psychological hurdle, Chelsea, in the head of my players.
“Personally I must honestly say it (Arsenal’s losing record against Mourinho) didn’t play on my mind at all. But as long as I get it served every time in press conferences it can have an impact on the team.
“The way my team behaved during some periods of the game helped. It was important for them to get that hurdle out of the way.
“They were more concerned once we were 1-0 up to protect the lead than to play. We have to accept that.
“I don’t think that’s giving up your philosophy. We wanted to win, we behaved like that. I’m quite proud of that.”