Ferguson v Wenger:Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had a glint in his eye when asked about his side's Champions League semi-final against Manchester United in a fortnight. After his side demolished Villarreal 3-0 last night to seal a 4-1 aggregate win, the focus switched to the impending first European duel between old adversaries Wenger and United boss Alex Ferguson since the Frenchman arrived in England.
Unbeaten in 18 Premier League games and with Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea also to look forward to, Wenger has the satisfied persona of a man who never doubted that his buccaneering young side would come good.
"I feel that confidence transfers from one competition to another," Wenger said of his side who are now unrecognisable to the one that struggled so much domestically before Christmas.
After Chelsea's astonishing quarter-final victory over Liverpool, another rip-roaring showdown between two big English clubs looks on the cards. There is almost certain to be more of the verbal fencing only Wenger and Ferguson can provide.
Whatever their personal feelings for each other, there is no doubting the respect for each other's football philosophy.
"I believe that they are always exciting games between us, both sides like to go forward so it will be a promising semi-final, we are up for the challenge," Wenger told a news conference on Wednesday.
"It is not difficult psychologically (to play an English club). I believe that if you want to go far in the Champions League you have to play an English team at some stage.
"The history between us always has a little part to play. But we are in a 180-minute Cup game and it will be the form of the days that will have the big impact."
Arsenal face the away leg first at Old Trafford before returning to the Emirates which has proved a fortress for Wenger's side in Europe.
They are yet to concede a goal there in the competition this season and are unbeaten at home in the Champions League since losing to Chelsea in 2004.
"It's a little advantage (to play at home in the second leg) but not significant statistically," Wenger said. "Maybe it's something like 55 per cent but it's even less of an advantage between English clubs because we know each other so well."
While Arsenal eye a possible FA Cup and Champions League double, United's 1-0 win at Porto keeps alive their hopes of sweeping five competitions this season having already added two pieces of silverware to their cabinet.
And, although United were forced to survive a few scary moments last night Ferguson was never seriously concerned his side would lose their precious lead.
“It would be tough no matter who we played but the fact it is another English side gives a different type of spice to it,” said Ferguson looking ahead to the semi-final.
“We are two good footballing sides, so it should be a terrific semi-final.
“Our game earlier in the season was fantastic. It was the way football should be played and we will look forward to it.
“The first leg is at home, so 1-0 would be perfect for us. But it is not going to be easy.”
FERGUSON V WENGER — HEAD TO HEAD
TROPHIES
Both men have been hugely successful at their respective clubs but Wenger has not won a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2005. In that time, Ferguson has won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League as well as the Club World Cup.
STRENGTHS
Ferguson’s man management is unrivalled, from motivation to discipline. His tactical nous and well-balanced squad rotation show he is as sharp as ever and his willingness to delegate coaching responsibilities, while maintaining managerial control, is key to his enduring success. Wenger’s hands-on coaching and technical skills are responsible for Arsenal’s revered footballing style while his keen scouting eye ensures the Arsenal playing staff is arguably the Premier League’s most economical.
WEAKNESSES
Neither man has any glaring flaws. Ferguson’s iron rule occasionally proves costly — the departures of David Beckham and Jaap Stam after spats being cases in point — while he is perhaps less shrewd than his rival in the recruitment market. Wenger is less authoritative — sometimes to a fault — and he has to accept blame for his players’ regular, if increasingly infrequent, disciplinary problems.
MIND GAMES
While Ferguson’s verbal jousting with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was strictly business and the pair held one another in high regard, there seems to be genuine contempt between the Scot and his Gunners counterpart. Both can be as cutting and headstrong as the other but Ferguson has always seemed more adept at using the mind games to his team’s advantage.
STATISTICS
Played 37
Manchester United — 14 wins (including penalty shoot-outs)
Arsenal — 15 wins (including penalty shoot-outs)
Draws — 8 (not including games decided on penalties)
