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'Game is not about Wenger v Mourinho'

Arsene Wenger insists that the Chelsea game is not a "personal battle" between him and Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese is back in the Premier League season and has a strong record against Wenger - he has yet to lose in nine games against Arsenal.

Wenger will look to end that drought when Arsenal host the Blues at Emirates Stadium on Monday, but he says the rivalry between the players is the only significant one.

"Whether we play Monday night against Chelsea or anybody else, for me it's exactly the same, because what is at stake for us is to get back to winning habits"

"It's not a personal battle [with Jose Mourinho]," said Wenger.

"Honestly, we had some big games in the past, but what is important for me is that I am completely focused on Arsenal Football Club and on my team and doing well in the team.

"Whether we play Monday night against Chelsea or anybody else, for me it's exactly the same, because what is at stake for us is to get back to winning habits, whether it's Chelsea or anyone else."

Wenger has a simple explanation for Mourinho's excellent run in their encounters.

"They [Chelsea] were fantastic teams and he is a good manager," said the Frenchman. "That together makes it difficult.

"I think we were close many times. Let’s not forget that when we won the championship in 2004, Chelsea finished second and we had an unbeaten record. At the time, Ranieri was the manager and they finished second.

"Mourinho came in and they bought Drogba, Carvalho and they were even stronger. He is as well a very good manager. They had a fantastic period.

"Our relationship is respectful," added Wenger. "We spent time [together] at Geneva at the managers’ meeting.

"Once you are in competition it is different. Once you are out of competition, everybody is different. Here is competition time so everybody fights for his team and his club."

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