Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he has a "better" relationship with Manchester United rival Sir Alex Ferguson.

Before the Gunners' victory yesterday, Wenger told arsenal.com: "Our relationship is better. Why? Because I believe that over the years there is a respect there.

"As well the competition has been as well with Chelsea and Liverpool and that has diverted it a little bit, [the rivalry is] not only directly anymore with Arsenal.

"But of course I relish still these battles [with Ferguson] because we are two fierce, passionate men and you know we are here to win football games.

"You do not last a long time in this job if you are not super-passionate about winning. We have that in common."