Mikel Arteta Discusses Friendship with Pep Guardiola

Mikel Arteta has stated that his friendship with Pep Guardiola remains intact despite their teams, Arsenal and Manchester City, being involved in a fierce title rivalry. Following a contentious 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, which sparked criticism of Arsenal's tactics from City players, Arteta emphasized the importance of separating professional competition from personal relationships. He expressed admiration for Guardiola, asserting that their bond would not be damaged by the outcomes of their matches. Despite facing criticism for his team's defensive strategies, Arteta remains focused on achieving results and maintaining high expectations. Additionally, he confirmed that key players like Jurriën Timber and Ben White are expected to return for their upcoming match against Leicester City, while summer signing Mikel Merino is progressing in his recovery. Arsenal is currently building momentum, having achieved notable results in recent fixtures.