EPL TITLE RACE WON’T AFFECT FRIENDSHIP WITH GUARDIOLA – ARTETA

Arsenal and Manchester City are competing for the Premier League title this season, but the north London club’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has stated that his friendship with his counterpart, Pep Guardiola, will not be affected.

From 2016 to 2019, Arteta worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City before being appointed manager of Arsenal following the departure of Unai Emery.

Arteta’s team leads the league standings with 50 points after 19 games, five points ahead of second-placed City, who has played one more game. The teams will meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked about how he felt about going head-to-head with Guardiola in the league and FA Cup, Arteta told reporters: “I always hoped this would be the case one day and it is happening this season.

“Obviously, that isn’t going to change our friendship, or how important he is in my life and in my profession.

“We both want to win and defend our clubs as well as we can. That has always been the case since the beginning.”

Arteta, who led Arsenal to the FA Cup in 2019-20, stated that a win on Friday would give his team momentum and confidence.

“In some ways, it will define our season, because if we win on Friday, we will advance to the next round and they will not,” Arteta added.

“It is a very important competition for us and winning will define this moment, for sure, as it will give us a chance to try to go on and win this trophy.

“This is a huge test against, in my opinion, the best football team in the world. It’s something I’m looking forward to. It will reveal a great deal about where we are.”

The teams’ first meeting of the season will take place on Saturday.