Wenger said: "We are prepared to do whatever it takes to win a football game in respect of a football game.

"Are we ready to kill someone to win a game? No, because you have to respect the rules in football. The beauty in the game is to win in respect of the rules.

"Can you win the league by playing completely non-football? I don't believe so. Historically it is proven that the teams who win the league are the better technical teams.

"The leading clubs have a responsibility to try to make the games attractive. They can never be a long-term target to play a dirty game or one which is not attractive.

"We want to play our game because we feel it is the most efficient way to win."

Wenger hopes the new 'Respect' campaign launched this season by the Football Association will have the desired effect.

He continued: "It is always very nice in pre-season and everyone wants to respect each other. When it comes to points, it becomes a bit different.

"The most important thing is the actions during the game.

"When you go to church on a Sunday, the priest says everyone has to be respectful and generous - but when you come out of the church, everyone is not generous and respectful.

"We will have to show on the pitch that you are capable of doing that - but not only us so will every player."