Arsene Wenger was finally handed some well-deserved respite after a tumultuous few weeks as Arsenal manager.The Gunners entered Thursday night's Europa League tie away at AC Milan on the back of four straight defeats, winning just once in their last six.However, Wenger's troops really rallied in the San Siro, claiming a convincing 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from January signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey.They will surely claim a place in the quarter-finals, while winning the competition would get the Gunners back into the Champions League after a year out of the competition."When you have big disappointments you forget quickly that you have some qualities. In one week, you do not become a bad team or a bad player. Nothing is permanent in life," said Wenger after the match."When you are knocked down it's a little bit like in a boxing match when you're half-knocked down you don't have time to recover and the next one comes again. That's what happened to us."But at some stage you know you have to respond. Your pride and desire to show quality has to come through in the game."Fair play, Arsene, fair play.His future is, of course, still the hot topic of debate, but it is nice to see him at least get a few days off of the criticism before Sunday's game against Watford.And, it turns out one of his former foes has been helping him in recent weeks.Sir Alex Ferguson has been one of a few managers who have been in contact with Wenger on a regular basis in recent weeks, trying to help him through his ordeal.

It's a really lovely gesture, one which highlights the friendly relationship the pair now have these days.

The two always shared a mutual respect during the days where they were the two competing for the Premier League title during the early 2000's.

Wenger's stock has fallen since and Fergie is doing his best to help.