Pep Guardiola has praised Mikel Arteta, stating it's "not necessary" to discuss if Arsenal will be in the running for the Premier League title this season. With a record encompassing six Premier League triumphs, two FA Cup victories, and a much-coveted Champions League win since succeeding Manuel Pellegrini at the helm of Manchester City in 2016, Pep's side have consistently been top-dogs.
However, the Gunners have been hot on their tails of late, in spite of having not secured a top-flight title in 20 years. The north London club appeared stagnant, failing to crack the Premier League's illustrious top six until the arrival of Arteta at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 - who has orchestrated a steady revival that sees them edging closer to the top-two spots over the last two ambitious seasons.
The Citizens scooped the league title in 2023, with a meagre five-point advantage over Arsenal, which lessened further as Arteta's contingent was edged out by an even closer margin of just two points in the most recent campaign. Facing the media as the curtain was raised for the kick-off to the 2024/25 season, Guardiola was quizzed on who he envisioned would pose the biggest threats to City's title defence.
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In response, he said: "Always at the beginning of the season, the first target is to finish in the top four. People say: 'Oh, come on', I say 'no'. Newcastle are not in Europe and are going to play one game a week. Newcastle with one game a week this season will be the Newcastle of two seasons ago."
He also noted the threat posed by Arsenal, quipping: "Arsenal are not necessary to talk about." The subtle statement indicates his recognition of Arteta's prowess, as the Gunners loom large in City's rear-view mirror in the Premier League title chase.
Arteta, 42, is no stranger to Guardiola's methods, having served as an integral part of his coaching staff at Man City from 2016 to 2019. During this tenure, he absorbed invaluable insights from his mentor, a titan of management with triumphs across La Liga, Bundesliga, and the English top flight.
As the 2023/24 season drew to a close, Guardiola lauded Arteta's achievements with Arsenal, telling beIN Sports: "What can I say? He's an incredible manager what they have done this season with Arsenal." Despite Arteta's impressive leadership, Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League crown, both during his time as a player and now as a manager.
The team stood a mere two points shy of City before their final game against Everton - meaning victory at the Emirates Stadium was essential, yet dependent on City faltering against West Ham for Arsenal to clinch the title. The Gunners found themselves trailing by a goal in the 40th minute of their match when Idrissa Gueye broke the deadlock, but Takehiro Tomiyasu quickly equalised just three minutes later.
Kai Havertz secured the victory for the Gunners in the 89th minute, but the result wasn't enough to bring the title to north London. That's because at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola's Blues had delivered one final masterclass against the Hammers, with Phil Foden scoring twice and Rodri sealing the game in a 3-1 victory.
Arteta will have the opportunity to lead Arsenal to their first league title since the 'invincibles' season of 2003/04 this year, after starting their campaign on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Wolves at home - Havertz and Bukayo Saka making an impact either side of half-time. Meanwhile, Manchester City are preparing for their first game of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday - Guardiola is hoping for another trophy to add to his growing collection.
