Wenger wary of Drogba threat

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits shackling Didier Drogba is the key to defeating Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

Drogba has never been on the losing side against the Gunners, plundering 13 goals in 13 appearances to become their chief tormentor and Wenger believes the Ivorian has the mentality to thrive when the pressure is on and fears his combination with midfielder Frank Lampard.

"Drogba was always been very efficient against us. He is a big game player," said Wenger. "Recently when Chelsea were in trouble against Tottenham, who turned up? It was Drogba again."

He added: "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."

Wenger admits Marouane Chamakh's form has suffered amid his heavy workload this season and may choose to rest the Moroccan.

With Robin van Persie ready to start and Nicklas Bendtner also available, Wenger has options should he decide Chamakh needs a break.

"Marouane has given a lot. He has played a lot on his own up front. He is a bit tired at the moment," said Wenger. "He's used to having a winter break in France at this stage of the season.

"He has played nearly every game since the start of the season.

"He feels that he had a little dip physically, but he's working very hard in training to come back."