Wenger hopes to deny Drogba

Drogba: Respected by Wenger

Arsene Wenger has admitted that keeping Didier Drogba quiet will be the key if Arsenal are to overcome Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

The Ivory Coast striker has never been on the losing side against the Gunners and has tormented them virtually every time he has faced them, plundering 13 goals in 13 appearances.

Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti last week claimed that Arsenal were afraid of Drogba and Wenger is fully aware of the threat he will present.

Wenger believes Drogba has the mentality to thrive when the pressure is on and admires his combination with midfielder Frank Lampard.

"Drogba has always been very efficient against us. He is a big-game player," said Wenger.

Important

"Recently when Chelsea were in trouble against Tottenham, who turned up? It was Drogba again.

"When you play against Chelsea he is the guy you need to keep quiet. The way he works in tandem with Frank Lampard is also important.

"Lampard always finds Drogba when he plays so we have to stop that.

"If you look at the statistics, defending against Drogba is one of the keys - if not the biggest key - of the game."