CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has expressed his admiration for Arsene Wenger and revealed the Frenchman’s stewardship at Arsenal had helped shape his career in management.

Howe will pit his wits against Wenger for the first time when Cherries meet the Premier League high-fliers at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow (5.30pm kick-off).

The first league meeting between the clubs will see Wenger, who took charge of the North London giants in October 1996, go head to head with Howe, the second longest-serving manager in the top flight.

Howe, who marked his 350th game as a permanent manager during Cherries’ 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, told the Daily Echo: “Arsenal are one of the teams that I have watched quite a lot down the years and certainly the style of football they play has been quite unique.

“I have the utmost respect for the manager who has done an unbelievable job over a long period of time.

“I have always enjoyed watching them play because there are always things you can take from them. Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have definitely had a bearing on my management career.”

Wenger and Exeter City’s Paul Tisdale are the only bosses in the top four divisions in England to have managed the same team since before 2010.

Howe, who took charge of Cherries for a second time in October 2012, added: “To do that job at such a high-profile club where he has been under the microscope for the length of time he has is remarkable really.

“I have a lot of respect for how he handles himself and the dignity he shows, both on and off the pitch. He has done an amazing job.

“I think they have done very well this season. Although we haven’t played them yet, I imagine they will be such a tough side to play against.

“I have always admired their philosophy and how they play the game. I also admire them as a club because I think they are very well run and stable.

“There is a lot to admire about Arsenal so we are really excited to go there and play against them. It is one of the games I am sure our supporters looked for. It is a good time to be going there around Christmas so I am sure it is going to be a special game.”