Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the reunion with Pep Guardiola. The Arsenal manager once worked at Manchester City as an assistant to his fellow countryman. On Sunday, the two Spaniards will face each other when Arsenal take on Manchester City.
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Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the reunion with Pep Guardiola in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League season.
The Arsenal manager once worked at Manchester City as an assistant to his fellow countryman, and their relationship has always been one of respect, admiration, and mutual learning. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 17:30, the two Spaniards will once again face each other when Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in a clash that could have significant implications for the title race.
The last meeting between these two English giants came back in February, when Arsenal stunned City with a comprehensive 5-1 victory in London. That result not only underlined Arsenal’s rise under Arteta but also highlighted some of the struggles City went through in what turned out to be a less successful season by their high standards. Despite that, Arteta insists that Guardiola and his side have already recovered their usual rhythm and intensity.
“The demands he places on himself, the standards he sets for everyone around him, his will to win, to evolve, to improve, are phenomenal,” said Arteta during his pre-match press conference. “Just look at him, he always wants the best people around him. For me, he is the best coach in the world. I had the privilege to work with him and win a lot alongside him. It’s always great to see him again. What he has achieved in the Premier League is, of course, unprecedented. The bar he has set is extraordinary.”
Arteta, who served as Guardiola’s right-hand man at Manchester City from 2016 to 2019, has repeatedly credited his former boss with shaping his footballing philosophy. Much of Arsenal’s modern style of play – built on positional dominance, high pressing, and intelligent ball movement carries echoes of Guardiola’s influence, even if Arteta has added his own twist to make the Gunners a genuine powerhouse again.
“And to maintain that level for ten years is absolutely incredible,” Arteta continued. “The demands are high, and he wants to keep going because he believes he can do it again. And I think he can pull it off again, without a doubt. Knowing Pep, and the demands he places on his players, the mentality they have within the club, the squad and the players they have, I definitely think so.”
This weekend’s game is not just about the managers, though. Arsenal, currently pushing to cement their place at the top of the table, see this as a chance to prove that their dominance over City in recent encounters is no coincidence. The Gunners have shown consistency, resilience, and attacking flair this season, while Manchester City, refreshed and strengthened in the summer, are determined to show that they remain the benchmark for success in English football.
For Arteta personally, Sunday also carries a symbolic milestone. He has the chance to remain unbeaten against Guardiola for the fifth consecutive time, a remarkable achievement considering Guardiola’s record against most other managers in the league. It would further underline the tactical progress Arteta has made since stepping out of Guardiola’s shadow and taking full control of his own project at Arsenal.
Beyond the personal storyline, this match could play a decisive role in shaping the direction of the Premier League season. A victory for Arsenal would not only extend their unbeaten run against City but also send a strong message to their rivals that they are ready to go all the way this year. For City, it represents a chance to reassert themselves and remind everyone why they have dominated English football for the past decade under Guardiola’s leadership.
Whatever the outcome, the duel between Arteta and Guardiola has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern football. It’s a battle between master and apprentice, teacher and student, but also between two managers who now stand shoulder to shoulder among the very best in the game.
Updated: 01:35, 20 Sep 2025
