Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has denied any rift with his former mentor, Pep Guardiola, ahead of their upcoming showdown with Manchester City this Sunday. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Arteta insisted that there are no hard feelings between the two as they prepare to face off in another high-stakes Premier League encounter.
In their previous meeting in September, a tense 2-2 draw between the title contenders saw City accuse Arsenal of using “dark arts.” The match was marred by controversy, including Rodri’s knee injury and a red card for Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard. As tempers flared, John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser and Erling Haaland’s confrontational celebration added fuel to the fire. Following the match, Arteta hinted at tensions, suggesting that City wasn’t blameless, though Guardiola later expressed frustration with his former assistant’s remarks.
Despite the heated moments, Arteta emphasised that he and Guardiola have remained on good terms. Arteta, who spent four years as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, clarified that any tension in the previous encounter was purely competitive. “If there was a problem, we wouldn’t have been talking on the phone and messaging each other,” Arteta said, adding that the rivalry stems from a desire to win.
Guardiola, who had downplayed suggestions of a falling out between the two, described their relationship as “exceptional.” Arteta echoed this sentiment, stating that their rivalry is simply the result of two teams competing at the highest level. “I don’t take anything personally that happens on the pitch,” Arteta noted, “It’s full of emotions, but we just move on.”
With Arsenal currently in second place, six points behind leaders Liverpool, the Gunners face an uphill challenge to secure their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite being unbeaten in six games, Arsenal has been hampered by injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Arteta is actively looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer deadline, with reports linking Arsenal to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. However, Arteta was cautious in his comments, saying that while he is confident in the club’s efforts, any transfer business depends on multiple parties.
“We’re exploring every opportunity that can have an impact on the team,” Arteta said, “but it doesn’t only depend on us.”
