It is widely acknowledged that if you want to be 'the man' and take the belt off the champion, you've got to knock them out - grinding out a points victory just won't be enough to impress the judges and get you the decision.

Using that criterion, there can be no arguments that Manchester United is still 'the man' then after their epic clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday. The Gunners though showed that they are worthy challengers. They also demonstrated that they have a granite chin as they climbed off the canvas twice to bloody the nose of the current champions in a pulsating two-two draw. 

Staying with the boxing analogy, this match was dominated by the current two best European players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. There is no doubt in my mind that this rivalry has all the potential to be one of the best English or world football for that matter has ever seen - it's Ali-Frazier, Tyson-Holyfield...and with luck we'll witness their battles for many more seasons to come.

One doesn't like to boil down an epic match between two players because as the LA Galaxy have found out it's not about one player but it is hard to look beyond the current players & writer's player of the year against his apparent heir in waiting.

Looking back at the ninety minutes from North London, Fabregas was the guv'nor when it came to running the show. If United could've stopped him perhaps they would've left with the three points but they couldn't. Ronaldo on the other hand was largely anonymous and yet still had a massive say in the result with a goal and assist.

So just who is the best player from the Iberian Peninsula - let's look at the tale of the tape.

Cesc Fabregas   Cristiano Ronaldo
Age: 20                       Age: 22
Fee: $0                       Fee: $24 million
Premiership Apps: 99  Premiership Apps: 103
All Competitions: 141  All Competitions: 153
Goals: 13                    Goals: 57
Goals this season: 10  Goals this season: 7
International Apps: 2  International Apps: 36

That's the raw data but what of the intangibles...

Flair & Skill (Ronaldo)

Unless you live on Mars this category would have to go to the Portuguese flyer. Ronaldo has more tricks than David Copperfield and isn't shy about demonstrating them.

Consistency (Fabregas)

The Spaniard brings it every single game. For sure he's more involved in the center of the park but you hardly ever see him having an off game.

Goal Scoring (Ronaldo)

Fabregas is in the richest scoring vein of his career but he doesn't hold a candle to Ronaldo who has the full locker.

Toughness (Ronaldo)

Both players are incredibly durable however I feel that Ronaldo takes more of a beating while Fabregas is in the habit of dealing out the pain.

Discipline (Fabregas)

Over the course of their careers, Ronaldo has seen red three times to one by Fabregas. The Arsenal player definitely picks up more yellow cards but Ronaldo is the more hot headed and has actually missed more games through suspension than his rival.

Versatility (Ronaldo)

Ronaldo can play anywhere across the front line, tuck in behind the strikers or create from midfield. Fabregas is more limited and specializes in his midfield role.

Determination (Fabregas)

A very hard category to judge as both players are warriors however the Gunner has demonstrated an unquenchable thirst over the last couple of campaigns.

Leadership (Fabregas)

Fabregas will lead Arsenal for years to come and his teammates will run through a brick wall for him. Ronaldo tends to disappear at times and you can't have that from you focal and vocal point.

International Appeal (Ronaldo)

You only had to be in Germany and see girls swooning everywhere that the Red Devil heartthrob would have no trouble picking up a modeling career once he can't play football anymore.

Value (Ronaldo)

In 2001 Zinedine Zidane moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for a staggering $94 million. Is Ronaldo worth that much...not yet but I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson would want in the $60-70 million range for his superstar. Arsene Wenger would probably want the same kind of fee for his prot