"Clear that Arteta desperately wanted to beat Guardiola" - Pundit believes Arsenal have achieved a statement win by defeating Manchester City
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel reckosn Arsenal made a huge statement by beating Manchester City 1-0 in the Premier League at home on Sunday (October 8).
Both teams had their fair share of chances in an eventful encounter at the Emirates. However, Nathan Ake deflecting Gabriel Martinelli's shot into his own net in the 86th minute proved decisive.
Arsenal have now won both their games against Manchester City this season. The first came in the FA Community Shield in August, which they won on penalties.
Before this campaign, Arteta had lost eight straight games against Pep Guardiola across competitions. After Arsenal's win, Schmeichel said (via BBC Radio 5 Live):
"Today was a statement. I think some of the results they have had this season have been big statements. This game was achieved without Saka. I think that is a statement.
"It wasn't a great game, but it was clear that Arteta desperately wanted to beat Guardiola. At the end of the day, Arteta comes out of this as a winner. The goal came from his substitutes. He changed the course of the game."
Bukayo Saka was left out of the matchday squad against City due to the injury he suffered in the 2-1 UEFA Champions League loss at RC Lens in midweek. In his absence, Arteta started a front three of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard.
Trossard was withdrawn at the break as Martinelli made his return after missing five games due to a hamstring injury.
Mikel Arteta happy with 'special' Arsenal victory over Manchester City
Mikel Arteta was ecstatic after Arsenal's first league win against Manchester City since December 2015.
The Gunners kept 48% of the ball and managed thrice the amount of shots (12) compared to City's four. They also put in a resolute defensive performance to keep their sixth clean sheet across competitions this campaign.
Arteta told BBC Match of the Day:
"It is a special one. It has been a long time since the club beat Manchester City. We felt today could be the day, but we needed a big performance from everyone and we had that."
Arsenal are now second in the Premier League with 20 points from eight games, trailing rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. Manchester City are third, with 18 points.
The Cityzens have now lost back-to-back league games for the first time since 2018, having lost 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 30. They return to action after the international break against Brighton & Hove Albion at home in the Premier League on October 21.