Arsene Wenger chose not to gloat over the 14-point gap that exists between Arsenal and fierce rivals Chelsea after his side cruised to a 3-0 win over Swansea.
Wenger has a tempestuous relationship with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and the Gunners manager was presented with a golden opportunity to take a swipe at his old enemy following Saturday’s stroll at the Liberty Stadium.
Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in a result that increased the feeling Mourinho, whose side are down in 15th place, is in danger of the sack, but Wenger refused the chance to mock his rival.
“I don’t talk about that too much. We must focus on our own game and try to keep a good balance. We need to keep our calmness, humility and our hunger and confidence,” Wenger said.
“I’m just very pleased with the result here. It’s always a difficult game against Swansea. Last year, they took six points off us, so we came here a bit edgy.
“Once again they have shown some real quality. They are a good side and in the first half, it was difficult for us.
“But in the second half, we played with greater tempo and our passing was much better. I felt that once we scored the first goal, we were the dominant force in the game.
“I rested players on Wednesday (when Arsenal lost in the League Cup at Sheffield Wednesday), to give them a little breather, and it took us a while to get in to the tempo of the game.
“However, we kept a clean sheet and we didn’t take too many risks going forward. Once we took the lead, it was a completely different game.”
– Diverse opinions –
Olivier Giroud’s goal was the 2000th scored by Arsenal since Wenger took charge, with strikes from Laurent Koscielny and Joel Campbell sealing the win.
“I am proud of scoring goals because people like to come and see that. However, the three points is more important,” Wenger said.
Wenger also claimed that he failed to see a possible foul by either Koscielny or Giroud in the immediate lead up to Arsenal’s second goal.
Although Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski appeared to be fouled, Wenger said: “I didn’t see a foul, honestly, but maybe I have missed something. But there is always diverse opinions after the game.”
Swansea manager Garry Monk added: “I’m disappointed we lost the game. I don’t think Arsenal deserved that win, we gave it to them.
“As far as the challenge for their second goal is concerned, I have seen them given. I have seen them awarded pretty much every time. But the referee decided it wasn’t.
“Possibly Fab could have punched it, but time and time again I have seen fouls given.
“I feel 3-0 flattered Arsenal. But you need to take your chances and get yourself on top when you are playing as well as we were.
“I feel for the players today. Our first half was more like ourselves. We were aggressive, on the front foot and it’s important that we take that from the game. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Rules of engagement : You don't brutalise a man when he is down and armless.
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