Mikel has to be more clear’ – Pep Guardiola snarls back at Mikel Arteta after Arsenal boss’ inside ‘information’ claim amid ‘dark arts’ furore following fractious 2-2 draw with Man City

The blockbuster Premier League encounter between City and Arsenal ended in a 2-2 draw, thanks to a late equaliser from John Stones. However, the Gunners faced flak for parking the bus in the second half in their attempt to defend a slender one-goal lead after Leandro Trossard was given his marching orders before half-time.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During the match, Rodri picked up a season-ending ACL injury and Stones went on to accuse Arsenal of using “dirty” tactics and practising the ‘dark arts’. Arteta, who had previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City, responded by suggesting the same tactics are used at the Etihad: “I’ve been there [at City] before. I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know.”

  • WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

    Guardiola, in turn, has demanded more clarity from Arteta – especially as City find themselves embroiled in a legal lawsuit over 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

    “Next time, Mikel has to be more clear,” said Guardiola. “He has to be clear next time about exactly what he means that he was here for four years and he knows exactly what happened here.

    “Because it could be related to the process with 115 charges, he may know information about that, maybe. I don’t know. Next time, he has to say [it more] clearly. Instead of having clouds there, [he needs] to be more precise.”

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    However, Arteta claimed that his personal relationship with Guardiola remains unaffected despite the ongoing war of words. Arteta added: “I love him. I respect him and admire him. I admire his team and everything he does. One thing is our professional, another is my personal relationships. If that has to be damaged because we play against each other, then I wouldn’t talk to him any more! That’s not a relationship I consider both of us to have. Sport will never get in my way for a personal relationship, for sure.”

  • WHAT NEXT?

    Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in a fierce battle for the Premier League title as the Gunners find themselves two points behind the reigning champions after five matchdays. Both teams return to domestic action on Saturday, with the leaders facing a tricky trip to Newcastle, while Arsenal will host Leicester City at the Emirates.