Manchester City sources have confirmed what players thought of Mikel Arteta during the Spaniard’s spell coaching under Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal are topping the Premier League table with ten games remaining, with the north Londoners ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and one point better off the City.
While things are tight at the top, the Gunners can move four points clear of City should they beat the defending champions at the Etihad on Sunday. Indeed, an Arsenal victory would put Arteta’s side well on course to winning their first Premier League crown in 20 years.
However, a home win would see Guardiola’s side overtake Arsenal and put them on course to claiming a fourth successive Premier League title.
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Of course, Guardiola gave Arteta his first coaching job in 2016 when he took over at City. The latter, aged 34 at the time, had just retired from his playing career.
And according to the Athletic, City players viewed Arteta as a team-mate because he was still technically brilliant on the ball when he joined in the rondo passing drill in coaching sessions.
He went on to become an integral member of Guardiola’s coaching staff, before moving to Arsenal in 2019 and turning them into Premier League challengers and Champions League quarter-finalists for the first time in 14 years.
While last season Arsenal were demolished 4-1 at the Etihad, Arteta appears more confident this time out.
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Ahead of the game, he said: “I have full belief and trust in my players and what we’re trying to do. It’s something that we have to show on the pitch.
“It’s a massive game for both teams. It will give us a huge boost again if we go there and win it. Still there is a long way after to make the ground to win it.”
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