Guardiola says Arsenal deserve to be much higher than tenth in the league
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that Arsenal deserve to be much higher than tenth in the Premier League, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Spaniard has lauded the Gunners’ performances in the last two months and said that they have outplayed their opposition on every occasion in that time period. He talked about how results do not always go the way that they should but that the North London side control games, create many chances and concede very little to their opponents.
The Premier League leaders face Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League on Sunday at the Emirates. The reverse fixture ended 1-0 in October 2020 courtesy of a Raheem Sterling strike and Arsenal will be hoping to get revenge for that defeat. They will be aware that they are coming up against a side that has won their last 12 Premier League matches and is ten points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
On Arsenal’s recent performances, Guardiola said:
“Over the last month or two they’ve played better than the opponent in every game. As a manager you want the results you deserve, sometimes it doesn’t happen.”
“But in the games they are always better, controlling, creating chances and conceding few.”
“We’ll need to play as good as possible with the ball and run a lot. They have exceptional build up, the quality and energy.”
Prior to taking the reins at the Emirates, Arteta was the assistant manager of Manchester City for three-and-a-half years and learnt under Guardiola. During his time with Pep, Arteta won two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and two League cups.
Guardiola insists that he cannot take credit for the way Arteta has progressed the North London club since taking over. He said:
“I didn’t inspire him. I know absolutely that I wasn’t any influence, he takes all the credit with his staff.”
“I learned off him and we worked together. I listen a lot to my assistants, most of the time we take decisions together.”
“I don’t know the influence – he has to answer. I worked really well with him and now he’s doing it for himself.”
