It was an unusual sight, seeing the Arsenal boss sitting among reporters, and brought far more camera attention to the area than usual.
Wenger was alongside his trusted lieutenant Jens Lehmann, and just behind Express Sport’s Tony Banks, for the goalless draw.
Arsenal held Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final but it wasn’t all good news with Jack Wilshere picking up an injury and Calum Chambers getting hurt.
Why was Arsene Wenger in the press box?
The Arsenal boss was banned from the touchline for three matches after comments on Mike Dean’s performances after the game with West Brom at the end of last year.
An FA statement read: “Arsene Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct.
“It follows an independent regulatory commission hearing at which the Arsenal manager admitted his language and behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the West Brom game on Sunday was abusive, improper and questioned the integrity of the match referee.
“He was also fined £40,000.”
He sat in the stands against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday but after he was sent to the stands at Stamford Bridge last season, he expressed concerns about being with supporters and was given the opportunity to sit with the press.
It is an unusual move and one that did not sit well with everyone, but it offered an intriguing subplot to an otherwise unspectacular match.
THe third and final game of the ban comes at Bournemouth on Saturday – but it is not yet known where Wenger will sit at the Vitality Stadium.
What did Wenger think of it?
“I must say you’re well treated,” he joked. “You have the best places in the stadium but you cannot complain.
“It was frustrating but the position was quite interesting because I was close to the bench and not too far high up. That’s where I like to be.”
And on the game, he said: “I felt it was a game that was very intense physically, that was locked as well,” he said. “The two teams were organised and defended very well.
“You could see it was the first leg of a decisive tie. Overall I must say we had a great solidarity, great spirit in the side and overall a deserved 0-0.
“We couldn’t score, in the last 20 minutes there were opportunities there that maybe we didn’t use well.
“We’ve played Chelsea so many times that the two teams know each other very well and that’s why when they decide to block the game they can do it.”