Wenger reveals how Arsenal plan to cope with Costa

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will deal with Diego Costa by “being cold-blooded” against Chelsea.

Wenger and Arsenal have struggled against Chelsea in recent years, winning just one of their last 11 meetings in all competitions, and none of their last nine in the Premier League.

In the last two clashes between the two sides, the belligerent Costa has played a key role.

The Spanish striker scored the only goal of the game in the last meeting at the Emirates Stadium, while Per Mertesacker was also sent off for fouling him early in the first half in that January game.

In September of last season Costa was again the centre of attention, clashing with Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista, the latter of whom was sent off after confronting the forward.

It is undeniably our game to watch this weekend, but Wenger claims that he has a plan to stop the striker.

“By being cold-blooded and respecting the rules of the game,” he said when asked how Arsenal will keep Costa, who has scored five goals in five league games this season, quiet.

“We talked about that because the last two games we played with ten men and the way we behave will be important. We have regrets we weren’t able to play 11 v 11.

“They have strong defensive solidity and will try to catch us on break.

“Hazard, Willian and Costa – we need to stop them. That will be key.”