Wenger wary of Chelsea challenge

Arsene Wenger has insisted Chelsea would still be a major title rival this season, even though they are currently the “opposite” of Arsenal – keeping clean sheets and scoring no more than a goal a game.

Chelsea have edged past their opening two opponents, Manchester United and Birmingham City, by the same 1-0 scoreline that George Graham almost trademarked at Highbury.

Arsenal, meanwhile, thrashed Everton 4-1 on the opening weekend before recovering from a 3-1 deficit at Highbury to beat Middlesbrough 5-3.

Wenger declared: “Chelsea look to be efficient – the opposite of us! We score goals and they don’t score too many. But they don’t concede goals and that is a good basis in the championship.

“I count them as a serious rival. You cannot dismiss the fact that, even if they take time to adapt, they have won their first two games and winning at Birmingham is difficult as they are a good side.”