Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that today's Community Shield encounter "will not be a friendly".

Despite a trophy being on offer, the match is often viewed by the two competing sides as final preparation for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

However, Wenger has stressed that a victory over champions Chelsea would be regarded as an "important" result by his players.

"It's a game that is important but it is still preparation. We want to win it and overall it can just give us that little bit more confidence before we go into the season," he told the club's official website.

"You know, it will not be a friendly as it is like that and it is good like that."

FA Cup holders Arsenal are unbeaten from their last four visits to Wembley.

Written by
Liam Apicella