As Arsenal and Manchester City prepare to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown, Pep Guardiola has turned up the heat with a tongue-in-cheek remark aimed at Mikel Arteta. The City boss suggested that if Arsenal claim the Premier League title this season, it will be thanks to their transfer spending—mirroring criticisms often leveled at Guardiola himself.
Guardiola Jokes About Arsenal’s Transfer-Fueled Title Hopes
Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back during his pre-match press conference, delivering a cheeky jab at Arsenal’s recent transfer activity. With a touch of irony, he stated, “If Mikel [Arteta] wins the title, it will be just because he spent,” referencing the Gunners’ significant summer outlay.
The Manchester City manager, often scrutinized for City’s high transfer expenditures, used the moment to highlight the growing financial muscle of rival clubs. “It’s not just us anymore,” Guardiola added. “Liverpool spent, Arsenal spent… so if they win, it’s because they spent, right?”
Arsenal’s Big Summer Investment
Arsenal made headlines with an aggressive summer transfer window, bringing in eight new players:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Christian Norgaard
- Martin Zubimendi
- Noni Madueke
- Viktor Gyökeres
- Eberechi Eze
- Cristhian Mosquera
- Piero Hincapié
This revamped squad has significantly bolstered Arteta’s options, and the team has already shown signs of greater solidity and attacking flair this season.
Respect for Arteta and Arsenal’s Rise
Despite the banter, Guardiola was full of praise for his former assistant. He acknowledged the strides Arsenal have made under Arteta, particularly highlighting their defensive resilience and attacking pace.
“Step by step, window by window, Arsenal is getting better. They’re now one of the most solid teams in Europe,” he said. “They rarely make mistakes at the back, they’re dangerous on set-pieces thanks to Nico Jover, and they’re incredibly well-coached.”
Guardiola also noted that Arsenal’s progress isn’t solely down to spending but to smart recruitment and tactical evolution. He called the current Arsenal side “one of the toughest opponents you can find in Europe.”
City’s Own Concerns Ahead of the Match
While Arsenal come into the match with momentum, Manchester City are managing their own squad issues—particularly the fitness of midfield anchor Rodri. The Spaniard recently returned from injury, but Guardiola admitted there’s uncertainty over his availability for a full week of matches.
“He didn’t feel great in training, but he played well anyway,” Guardiola explained. “With him on the pitch, we’re more comfortable. But after an injury, you have to be careful. We’ll decide on Sunday.”
Revisiting Last Season’s Encounter
Reflecting on last season’s matchup, Guardiola acknowledged that City started strong but lost control in the final stretch. “The last 15-20 minutes were a disaster,” he admitted. “We stopped doing the basics and made it easy for Arsenal.”
This time around, the City boss is focused on maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes. “We want to be better than we were last season, especially in the final third of the game,” he emphasized.
