Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports, as posted by Football Daily, that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ‘so good’.
The teacher clashed with the apprentice on Sunday as Manchester City recorded a 1-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Whilst Arsenal enjoyed FA Cup success over the now-runaway Premier League leaders last season, it was far from that scenario over the weekend.
Guardiola worked alongside Arteta first hand at the Etihad Stadium and he lavished praise on his fellow countryman after Sunday’s match.
“Mikel knows everything, it’s not knowing me (in regards to Man City not being able to control the situation in Arsenal’s attacking third),” said Guardiola.
“He’s so good. It’s not because he’s my friend or because I beat him. I know how he lives. I know how he plans. I know how he works. It’s so clever.
“I learn a lot watching his teams and I learnt something. I can use it in the future. He knows everything about football.”
Arteta’s footballing brain will be put to the biggest test on Thursday because Arsenal face a very crucial Europa League knockout tie against Benfica.
Lose that and it’s goodbye to potentially securing Champions League football, a trophy and European football altogether.
Then Arteta will come under serious pressure because, added with their current Premier League standing, it has been beyond an abject season for them.
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