WENGER FINALLY ENDS JOSE ’ S STRANGLEHOLD

Arsenal defend Shield Cup

LONDON – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed victory over Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho at the 14th attempt as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal gave the FA Cup winners a 1-0 win in yesterday’s Community Shield.

The England midfielder struck in the 24th minute at a sunsoaked Wembley Stadium to break Mourinho’s long-standing hold over his French rival and give Arsenal hope of a sustained assault on Chelsea’s Premier League title.

While Chelsea improved in the second half, they could not find a way past their former goalkeeper Petr Cech, who registered a clean sheet as his new club secured their 13th outright Community Shield.

“It’s good because in pre-season we were very solid defensively, so it’s a good base to go into the championship,” Wenger told BT Sport.

“We have good spirit and I believe we look dangerous.” Wenger will be mindful that a 3-0 win over Manchester City in last season’s Community Shield was not followed by a convincing title bid, but with Cech already looking at home and Mourinho no longer able to boast a spotless record against him, he will approach Saturday’s opening league fixture gainst Swansea City at Stamford Bridge with preseason belief fully intact.

“Arsenal defended with 10 players, they put everybody in front of their own line and they had good organisation. Congratulations to them,” he said.

Chelsea ’ s team-sheet suggested that Diego Costa has not recovered from the hamstring problems, with Loic Remy leading the line in the Spain striker’s absence and new signing Radamel Falcao on the bench.

Questions about the reaction that Cech would receive from the fans of his old club were answered, a standing ovation greeting him as he jogged over to the goal before kick-off.