Guardiola
Despite their tense matchup at the top of the table last weekend, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, stated that he still “loves” Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City. The champions survived with a 2-2 draw against 10-man Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a goal from John Stones deep into stoppage time.
Just before the half, Arteta’s team—who had finished second to City in the Premier League the previous two seasons—saw Leandro Trossard sent off.
Despite having the majority of the possession, City was unable to break down Arsenal, which prompted Stones and teammate Bernardo Silva to charge the north Londoners with using the “dark arts” of football.
Before taking over as manager of Arsenal, Arteta assisted Guardiola at City, and he stated that the dispute would not affect his friendship with the fellow Spaniard.
“I adore him, I value him, and I respect his team and all that he accomplishes,” he declared on Friday night, the eve of his club’s game against Leicester.
Reporters questioned Arteta about if it was more difficult to keep friendships strong during intense games between championship contenders.
really easy — don’t take offense; it’s a necessary aspect of our work,” he remarked.
I find that relationship to be really important. The same is true for many of the players and staff who I had spent some quite significant years of my life with.”
Not defeated After five games, City leads the table with two points ahead of Arsenal in fourth place.
Next week, Arteta’s club will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. He expressed doubts about goalkeeper David Raya’s availability to play against Leicester following an injury he sustained against City.
