Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola agree that Wednesday evening's match between Arsenal and Manchester City is not decisive for the title race. Ahead of the Premier League top match, the managers spoke positively about each other's teams.
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Arsenal is still the leader in England, but has seen their lead over City diminish in recent weeks due to three consecutive draws. The reigning champions now even have fewer loss points than the London-based leader. Therefore, they cannot afford to lose Wednesday night's match in the pursuit of their first league title since 2004.
However, Arteta believes that the showdown with City is not yet decisive. 'The match is very important, but it's certainly not decisive. Even if we win tomorrow night, we are still not champions. The chance is greater, but with five matches left, it's still very tricky. But the belief is there. We really want it and we'll show it again tomorrow.'
Guardiola also thinks the same way. 'It's very important, but not decisive. Both teams still have many tough matches to play, but we can't deny the importance', said the City manager, who doesn't think his friendship with Arteta will suffer from tomorrow's duel. 'As a player, I also had friends on other teams. You always want to win, but the relationship remains intact.'
Guardiola sees that under his former right-hand man, Arsenal has gained extra qualities. 'Under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal was always very careful with the ball with high-quality players. Mikel has added an extra dimension. They are so aggressive. At Anfield, they were the better team against the team that has been the best in the transition in recent years,' Guardiola praised Arteta.
Despite these qualities, City won the two previous encounters this season in the Premier League (1-3) and the FA Cup (1-0). But it's undeniable that Arsenal has made great progress under Arteta, according to Guardiola. 'That development is obvious. Mikel has changed the whole attitude of the club. He has the support of the club leadership, and that's why there is now success.'
Arteta, in turn, knows what makes City such a good team. 'They can do so many different things that you have to be able to adapt during the match.' And of course, there's always Erling Haaland who is lurking for his chance. 'In terms of numbers, he has no equal, but Haaland is also capable of doing that because he is used in the right way. Prevention is probably better than cure.'
