“If someone wants to damage the relationship that’s not in my hands” - Mikel Arteta responds after Pep Guardiola’s asks Arsenal boss for explanation
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's comments ahead of this Premier League gameweek. The Gunners were fortunate to beat Leicester City, taking all three points after a hard-fought 4-2 win at home on Saturday, September 28. The Cityzens, on the other hand, were forced to share the spoils in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
Both clubs are chasing after the Premier League title, with City winning it four times in a row, and the north London club finishing second twice in a row. The recent clash between the two sides on September 22 at the Etihad saw them both take home a point each, after a 2-2 draw.
After that match, a number of Manchester City players questioned the tactics Arsenal used to secure a draw against them. Mikel Arteta notably responded to this by reminding them that he had coached at City, and there were similarities. He said (via Sky Sports):
"I've been there [at City] before. I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know."
Ahead of the match against Newcastle, Manchester City boss Guardiola reacted to this statement, asking Arteta to clarify his words:
"Next time, Mikel has to be more clear. He has to be clear next time about exactly what he means that he was here for four years and he knows exactly what happened here. Because it could be related to the process with 115 charges, he may know information about that, maybe..."
Mikel Arteta has now responded to Guardiola, with the Arsenal manager explaining (via Sky Sports):
"I can repeat it very clear: I love Pep, I've admired him since I was 10 years old. I respect him profoundly... I consider him a friend... When I said that I know them, I meant I know how hard they work.
"I haven't seen a human being work as hard as Pep and the coaches, and everybody in that football club is consistently winning... If you want, I can repeat it, but if someone wants to damage the relationship that's not in my hands."
He added:
"We have to learn and it has to be inspiring for us, and it is for me - this is what I mean. It's remarkable what they have achieved because they have that willing mentality. Hopefully that is clear."
Clearly, the Premier League title race is heating up, with a potential rivalry between both English giants brewing.
Manchester City sit in 2nd, Arsenal in 3rd, as Liverpool top rankings
Manchester City's inability to secure an important win over Newcastle United has seen them drop from their position at the top of the Premier League table. Now, they sit in second place, just one point behind Liverpool.
The Reds have 15 points, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 away from home, to the delight of their travelling supporters. They remain the best defensive team in the league, having conceded just two goals so far. They have also kept four clean sheets, the highest in the league so far this season.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have to be content with their seat in third. The Gunners are also a point behind Liverpool, only lower than City due to goal difference. The north London side will be looking to up the ante as the Premier League title race continues. Chelsea complete the top four, sitting a point behind Arsenal.