Wenger: Get cold-blooded with Costa

Arsene Wenger is a fan of Diego Costa and has warned his defence they must be “cold-blooded” to deal with the Chelsea striker – who he says could do without the added theatrics which accompany his game.

Costa has proved a thorn in the side of Arsenal’s defence in recent times, including scoring the winner in the meeting between the two teams at the Emirates last season.

The London clubs renew their rivalry at teatime tonight, with Arsenal looking for a first Premier League win over the Blues since October 2011.

Constantly niggling and riling his opponents has become part of Costa’s game, with the 27-year-old lucky to escape to red cards already this season.

And, while Wenger admits he is an admirer of Costa, he feels he can be just as good if he removes the fiery aspect of his character. “I like him as a player. I like the qualities of the player but all the rest around is not needed,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He is a fighter and you respect that. The rest is down to the referees to get the game and the rules respected. He’s a very strong player. He looks since the start of the season to have cleaned up his act, that he behaves more focused on the game. And that makes him more dangerous.”

Wenger has told his defence to remove the emotion from coming up against him this weekend.

Asked how his defence can tame Costa, Wenger said: “By being completely cold-blooded and just focus on the game and not respond. Just try to negate his qualities and his game.

“You need to be committed but by respecting the rules of the game and responding.

“Last year we were a bit unlucky at Chelsea to be down to 10 men because we got a red card and it was rescinded after.

“In the other game, we deserved the red card because we were caught on a quality run by him.”