LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to shake hands with Chelsea countepart Jose Mourinho and put their feud behind them when they meet at Highbury on Sunday.
Wenger threatened legal action against Mourinho after the Portuguese coach labelled him a voyeur amidst a war of words between the
pair ahead of November's international break.
The Frenchman has since decided not to follow through his threats and made it clear he would shake Mourinho's hand on Sunday. "I will always do that," he said.
But Wenger's priority is a victory over Chelsea, who have never beaten Arsenal in a Premier League match at Highbury.
"I look forward to seeing a good Arsenal team. As for the rest, I behave always the same and respect everybody," he said.
"When you're in the competition you fight for your team and do as well as you can and respect everybody but somewhere you worry about your team and not about the rest.
"I feel the matter (with Mourinho) is in the past and what is important is that everyone sees a good football game, and for me it's important that Arsenal beat Chelsea." Sixth-placed Arsenal trail leaders Chelsea by 17 points and Wenger wants them to close the gap by showing their physical strength on the pitch after two defeats in a row on the road.
The Arsenal boss was not happy with Newcastle United's style of play last weekend when they won 1-0 at St James' Park and is determined to ensure they are not bullied any more.
"The noise has gone around England that to beat Arsenal you have to be in the face and bully them and try to get away with it," he said. "I feel we have to respond with more authority and calmness than we have up to now. Chelsea have physical power."
- REUTERS
