Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hit back at criticism of his side's defensive approach from Arsene Wenger by bringing up Arsenal's exit from the Champions League.

The Frenchman claimed that it is "easy to defend" in an attempted jibe at the Blues' recent tactics in the Premier League, which has put them on the verge of the top-flight crown.

Mourinho has reacted by suggesting that the Gunners would not have lost to Monaco in their Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium if defending was as simple as Wenger asserted.

"It's not easy, not easy. If it was easy, you wouldn't lose 3-1 at home to Monaco," Mourinho told reporters. "If he defends well he draws 0-0 against Monaco and wins in Monte Carlo. It's not easy to defend."

The Blues face off against Arsenal in their Premier League clash on Sunday.