Arsenal v Chelsea is never a friendly – Wenger

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger has declared that Arsenal’s games against Chelsea are never “really a friendly”.

The Gunners face the Blues in a repeat of May’s FA Cup final when they meet in Beijing on Saturday.

Arsenal have already played three pre-season fixtures, winning two and drawing one, while Premier League champions Chelsea are yet to feature.

The pair will play again in the Community Shield final on August 6, as well as in the fifth matchday of the new Premier League season.

Speaking on Friday, Wenger stoked the fires of the rivalry.

“It’s a friendly against Chelsea and that means it is not really a friendly,” said Wenger. “There’s always some pride at stake and London desire.

“It was an interesting game in the FA Cup final. We play Chelsea in Community Shield and early in the season again. We know each other very well.

“It’s difficult to know how prepared Chelsea will be, it is another test for us.”