In typical fashion the Chelsea boss aimed a well-timed jibe at his north London rival, questioning the levels of spending Wenger has run up in attracting players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy to the Emirates.

Of course, Mourinho was the beneficiary this summer as Wenger parted with £10m to bring goalkeeper Petr Cech across London.

Wenger chose to ignore Mourinho’s comments as best he could but with the “specialist in failure” episode still ringing in his ears, the Frenchman would surely lovely to strike a blow on Chelsea before the big kick-off on August 8.

Arsenal ended last season on a strong note, dispatching Aston Villa in commanding fashion to retain the FA Cup.

Wenger is once more attempting to build a title-winning team from within. While Mourinho mischievously questions the Gunners spending, there is no doubt that Wenger still retains the desire to develop players.

The progress last season of Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin bears testament to Arsenal’s philosophy.

Having watched the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas jump ship, Wenger acknowledged that spending was required as he acquired world-class players Ozil and Sanchez to blend into his squad.

Aside from finishing last season in pleasing fashion, there has been much to impress Wenger during pre-season.

His side have scored 14 times and conceded just once in four wins to date.

Despite that healthy return of goals and Wenger’s continued assertion that he will not be forced into buying a striker, the Arsenal boss must surely find a threatening centre-forward if the gap to the Premier League champions is going to be bridged this season.

Chelsea’s tour of North America meanwhile has yielded draws with Paris St Germain and Barcelona – after both of which the Blues won penalty shoot-outs – following a lacklustre second half performance in their opening game where Mourinho’s men conceded four goals to MLS side the New York Red Bulls.

The Chelsea boss was only too happy to heap praise on his team after a 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Washington concluded the tour – a game where Eden Hazard once again showed his brilliance with a superb solo opener.

Mourinho talked up the open nature of the clash against Luis Enrique’s team, as he felt both sides sought only to increase their readiness for the new season by attacking each other.

Doubtless behind the scenes a much more pressing worry will be a couple of injuries his team sustained.

Gary Cahill earned a suspected broken nose for his troubles and while Mourinho has suggested a mask could be in place for Sunday, much more likely is that Kurt Zouma gets his opportunity at Wembley.

With Cahill’s injury, Mourinho could step up his bid to lure John Stones to Stamford Bridge from Goodison Park.

The clash with Barcelona reinforced an inescapable truth it seems for Chelsea, and that is the unreliability of Diego Costa’s hamstrings.

The big striker was forced to come off early in Washington having “felt his hamstring”. It seems that another season of will he, won’t he updates on Costa’s fitness is in store.

Arguably the most important question going into the Community Shield is ‘who wants it more?’

Arsenal were slow from the blocks last season, giving away their title hopes with patchy early season form and a litter of dropped points.

Wenger would love the momentum of some silverware as a precursor for a genuine title bid. He knows too that defeating Chelsea would be a statement, not just for Arsenal but for the other title contenders as well.

Although he is set to be without Sanchez, Wenger has aired the view that he feels this could be a breakthrough season for World Cup winner Ozil.

The former Real Madrid man has struggled to win over the Gunners faithful as much as he has struggled for consistency.

Outshining Fabregas and Hazard at Wembley would be the perfect tonic for the Arsenal midfielder as he starts into what is clearly a huge season personally.

Key to will be Wenger’s decision on his frontline. Will the central role go the way of Olivier Giroud or Theo Walcott?

The latter ended last season on a high note after a year spent on the sidelines. Giroud promised so much around mid-season but eventually ran out of puff.

If indeed Wenger feels he has an adequate forward line, Sunday may reveal who is at the top of the pecking order.

Chelsea will be equally determined to make a statement, particularly in light of former teammate Cech’s comments about togetherness and team spirit he has found since joining up with the Arsenal squad.

Last season Chelsea were such a dominant force, blunting the title race from a long way out. They will be wary of giving the chasing pack an early chink in their armour to feast on before the serious business get underway in a week’s time.

Given the relationship between the rival bosses, no quarter is likely to be given at Wembley and it could be that we see a more up-tempo Community Shield than has sometimes been the norm.

A year ago, Arsenal lowered the colours of the Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsene Wenger may feel his side have more to gain from winning on Sunday then their London neighbours do.

The Gunners will up for it on Sunday and with plenty goals around in pre-season they may have Chelsea’s number in this first skirmish of the new season.

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