Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal’s spending spree has not been treated with the same scrutiny as Manchester City’s and says Mikel Arteta is always asking his board for more money to spend.
The two Spaniards go head-to-head at the Emirates on Sunday in a massive clash at the top of the Premier League table, with the Gunners looking to secure their first league win over the champions since December 2015.
Arteta has strengthened significantly in an effort to close the gap to City, bringing in Declan Rice in a £105million deal from West Ham as well as signing Kai Havertz, David Raya and Jurrien Timber.
Guardiola has no qualms with Arsenal spending big to improve their squad, though he feels they have escaped the same level of critique that comes City’s way whenever they splash the cash in a similar manner.
‘Normally when Manchester City bought these kind of [players] for these amounts of money, it’s crazy,’ said Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s showdown. ‘When the other ones do it, how smart they are. But I’m not going to deny that everyone can do whatever they want, I never judge the other one. We are being judged all the time.’
On Arteta, he continued: ‘It is proof that when a club really believes in something and shows patience to the manager, it works. Sometimes you need time. People at the top of the club always have to look at what is being built rather than relying on short-term results to make decisions.
‘They trusted him and now the results are here as a consequence. Now, Arsenal have a manager for many years. He knows the club, he loves the club. It is impossible to get better than that. And Mikel is a guy so demanding with the board, “Give me money to spend”. He has this talent too. He pushes everyone.’
City can leapfrog Tottenham and reclaim top spot in the Premier League with a win at the Emirates, though defeat could see them drop as low as fourth if Liverpool beat Brighton in the day’s early kick-off.
Pep Guardiola vs Mikel Arteta: Who will come out on top?
Sunday’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal will be a battle of two Spanish tacticians in Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. Both men have had success in their respective careers, but who will come out on top this weekend?
Guardiola has won numerous trophies with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as two Premier League titles with City. He is known for his possession-based style of play and his ability to get the best out of his players.
Arteta has only been in charge of Arsenal since December 2019, but he has already made a big impact at the club. He has implemented an attractive style of play and has made some shrewd signings in the transfer market.
The two teams have had contrasting fortunes this season, with City leading the way in the Premier League while Arsenal have struggled for consistency. However, both teams will be looking to take all three points on Sunday and it promises to be an intriguing battle between two of the best managers in world football.
What are the odds?
Bookmakers are predicting a tight game between City and Arsenal on Sunday, with both teams priced at 11/8 to win the match. A draw is also a possibility at 5/2, while City are slight favourites due to their superior form this season.
The bookmakers are also offering odds on various other markets such as first goalscorer and correct score. It promises to be an exciting game and there could be plenty of value to be found in these markets if you fancy a flutter.
Conclusion
Sunday’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal will be an intriguing battle between two of the best managers in world football in Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes this season but both will be looking to take all three points on Sunday. The bookmakers are predicting a tight game and there could be plenty of value to be found in various markets if you fancy a flutter.