Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Rocky7 
Date:Saturday September 20 2008
Time: 9:29AM
UK time is: 11:21:51
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Fergie Respects Arsenal Rivalry
Alex Ferguson has turned up the heat ahead of the big clash between Chelsea & Man Utd tomorrow by claiming that the games with Arsenal are bigger matches.
Despite Arsenal not having won the title for four years the United gaffer respects the rivalry built between to the two clubs over Arsene Wenger's tenure.
Fergie said: "I would prefer Arsenal to win it rather than some other clubs I could mention."
"If you look back over the last 12 or 13 years, who has it been? Arsenal v Manchester United, Manchester United v Arsenal.'
"Of course we`ve got Chelsea at the moment — that`s without question. But the history of Arsenal against Manchester United means that you`re not just talking about winning a football match — you`re talking about your history against the other team`s history.'
"There`s a dominance attached to that. You want to be the dominant team and they want to be the dominant team — we`ve had some volatile matches because of that.'
"But you can`t beat the history and the quality that both teams believe in, and the way they want to play has never changed."
Whilst Fergie's comments are more likely to have been made to mess with the minds over at Chelsea, they still have an element of truth to them.
That's said I'm growing increasingly uncomfortable with the Wenger-Fergie love-ins that seem to be occurring these days.
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Your Comments
Did he really say that he'd prefer Arsenal to win it? I can't beileve he means that!
Gooner_Vin
when the other 2 teams are Liverpool and ikea fc I do believe he means it!
iceman10
Without saying it, Fergie is showing respect to the way we've been consistently competative. ie, without the help of a billionaire!
navydave
Off course it's mind games pre chelsea, but it's true, to be honest. If you put yourself in his shoes, between one of Chelsea, Man U, and (for argument's sake, I realise!), Spurs, who would you rather won it? I'd go for Man U. Wouldn't you? That's the same point Fergie is coming from. I think.
Gaga
Me too, sir, I would prefer Arsenal to win it rather than some other clubs too!
GoonerLou
awww how sweet of him
anonymous
he would prefer Arsenal wins it because i feel that he cannot stand Chelsea and Man City having sugar daddies who could have single-handedly eradicated poverty from a small nation if they wanted to.
i also think he is bitter about liverpool's victory last week which was really due to man utd making 2 defensive errors. but to him (assuming he is a self-respecting mancurian) , its like saying he prefer getting his leg hacked off than his arm..
korodon
i kinda agree with him. i have arespect for the way arsenal act both on ad off teh pitch (though the constant media lick-assing of arsenal is abit annoying). i have no respect for chelsea or liverpool....at all. i may be wrong but thats how i feel.
united4life
United4life - it's Man Utd who the media are constantly lick-assing, if anything, they're always having a dig at us, probably because of the lack of English players in our ranks.
Gooner_Vin
Yeah U4L it's a source of pride for us, the way our club is run. I don't think I'm having a persecution complex, it's true what Vin said, that sometimes the media aren't too kind to us.. hehe until Theo's hat-trick lol
GoonerLou
There are different parts of the media who are unkind to every club, so this persecution complex is a bit unnecessary IMO. As for the love-ins, I tend to agree with Rocky. There was an edge to this contest that aint around for 2 reasons. 1. The departures of Viera and Keane and 2. The lessening dislike between Wenger and Fergie. Doesnt look like those days will ever return.
prits
Can I add to that prits the departure of Ruud Van Nistelrooy? I was present at the Emirates Cup ealier in the year and man...you guys HATE him!
united4life
You have a great club, but I think the key is in the manager, who really spends almost nothing compared to most other top 10 clubs, and still has one of the best sides in the world! Good luck winning the title!
pompeycarpet
i dont buy his crap talk. he just wants us to get complacent. its one of his tricks
gunnerchi
Haha yep U4L, we really do hate that bloke.
prits
The increased level of respect between Wenger and Fergie has been evident the last few years, but I was still blown away seeing them sharing some laughs together at the League Managers Association dinner last week. With how bitter that rivalry had become just several years ago, the video just looked surreal to me. Personally I think it's great to see though, and I think the matches we've had the last few years have been a lot more entertaining in terms of actual football as a result, particularly the Old Trafford games (er, we'll forget that FA Cup game from last season, heh).
Shinobi
It seems that Alex Ferguson's relationship with Arsenal has improved since Chelesa became a force.
Markcity
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