Many would have wondered the starting point that led to the seeming hostility between Manchester City and Arsenal during their latest 2-2 draw.
Pep Guardiola revealed he texted Mikel Arteta after their sides faced each other on Sunday and confirmed their close relationship remains unchanged.
Gabriel Magalhaes sent a warning to Manchester City, stating that Arsenal were “waiting” to go toe-to-toe with them at the Emirates Stadium.
Manuel Akanji assured City will win the title in the aftermath of the contest while claiming that every time the Gunners play against them, he reckons they are looking for “drama.”
Erling Haaland also told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” while having a heated argument with Gabriel Jesus.
If there was not any sense of animosity between both clubs before their latest outing, there certainly seems to be a bite about these games now.
How Man City and Arsenal privately view each other
However, there seems to be a rivalry in the boardrooms as well.
According to a report by The Independent, Manchester City are “starting to get aggravated” by Arsenal for a number of reasons.
It has been stated that the Gunners’ vice-chairman Tim Lewis is one of “the most vocal figures” when it comes to state ownership, known to bring up his grievances with Abu Dhabi-owned City and Saudi Arabia-owned Newcastle United frequently.
Certain figures within the Arsenal camp feel that if the Sky Blues are found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s 115 financial charges, expulsion should be considered as an option while punishing them.
Manchester City are claimed to find it ironic how the London club remain sponsored by Dubai-based airline Emirates and continue to take trips to the Middle Eastern country.
There was a time when City were believed to feel “ostracised” by traditional big clubs like Arsenal at important European meetings after their takeover in 2008.
The English giants responded by trying to sign Arsenal’s players such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna.
If Man City are found innocent of 115 charges, Arsenal rivalry could heat up
Considering Arsenal seem to be in favour of Manchester City being expelled from the Premier League if they are found guilty of breaching financial rules, the rivalry between both clubs could heat up even further if Pep Guardiola’s side are deemed innocent.
Senior figures within the City camp will likely feel vindicated and willing to exert their dominance over the rest of English football.
While Arsenal could end up feeling frustrated by such a verdict.
Whether Manchester City and Arsenal’s players are fired up after such a judgement is awarded will be intriguing to witness.
It seems like the final verdict could have a huge bearing on how this enmity between both clubs develops.
