Ahead of Wednesday night’s titanic top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about whether Mikel Arteta being familiar with the Man City way is an advantage for Arsenal.
After all, the 40-year-old spent 3 years at the Etihad Stadium as the side’s assistant manager before making a return to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Pep Guardiola seems not to be have been swayed by Mikel Arteta knowing the ins and outs of how Man City play, despite their contest against Arsenal being a potential title decider. Well, the 52-year-old said before the FA Cup showdown between both sides that the £158,000-a-week man would have been his perfect replacement.
Pep Guardiola on whether Mikel Arteta knowing the Man City way is an advantage for Arsenal
Aside from Mikel Arteta, even Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus have been fully ingrained in the former Bayern Munich boss’ signature style of play, which could potentially assist the hosts on Wednesday.
However, Guardiola has played down said factor, as Man City prepare to lock horns with Arsenal, telling Manchester Evening News’ Daniel Murphy, “The time was mainly Liverpool, we can’t say Liverpool didn’t have the experience under pressure. I would say if there are 3 or 4 games left and the difference is one point, maybe it could be important. As I said, there are lot of points to play, this is important but there are many.”
Guardiola is playing down the title decider narrative
Well, in some senses, the upcoming contest is not a title decider, as both teams are just over halfway through their domestic seasons.
However, the psychological edge that either Pep Guardiola and his Man City side or Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal ensemble get from a potential victory cannot be underplayed.
While Guardiola seems to be understandably keeping the emotions in check ahead of the contest, the clash on Wednesday could well settle the colours of the ribbons on the coveted trophy.
