Wenger Defends Shield-Winning Tactics

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied Chelsea rival Jose Mourinho's claim that his side abandoned their philosophy to win the Community Shield.

The only goal of the game came in the 24th minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cut in from the right and fired across goal.

The Gunners then managed to keep out Premier League champions Chelsea and earn Wenger his first-ever win over Mourinho.

The Chelsea boss said afterwards that Arsenal "left their philosophy in the dressing room" in order to secure victory at Wembley, but Wenger did not agree.

"We abandoned nothing," he said. "I believe today we defended because maybe it was a bit of a psychological hurdle, Chelsea, in the head of my players.

"Personally I must honestly say it [Arsenal's losing record against Mourinho] didn't play on my mind at all. But as long as I get it served every time in press conferences it can have an impact on the team.

"The way my team behaved during some periods of the game helped. It was important for them to get that hurdle out of the way. They were more concerned once we were 1-0 up to protect the lead than to play. We have to accept that.

"I don't think that's giving up your philosophy. We wanted to win, we behaved like that. I'm quite proud of that."

It was the first time in 14 attempts that Wenger had got the upper hand over Mourinho and there was no handshake between the pair afterwards.

"I shook a few hands today after the game, but there's nothing special there," said Wenger, who shoved the Blues boss in last season's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

"I believe in a job where you have to respect people and respect everybody."

Arsenal had Petr Cech in goal after his 11 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge and Wenger said: "He did well and maybe he had an influence on the Chelsea players as well.

"They feel to score against him they have to score the perfect goal."

The Arsenal boss added the ankle injury that prevented midfielder Jack Wilshere from playing did not appear to be serious.