Pep Guardiola makes his thoughts on Mikel Arteta clear with 'not necessary' response to Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has praised Mikel Arteta, saying there is “no need” to discuss whether Arsenal can win the Premier League title this season. With a record that includes six Premier League triumphs, two FA Cup wins and a coveted Champions League victory since succeeding Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City boss in 2016, Pep's side have consistently been at the top.

However, the Gunners have been hot on their heels of late, despite not winning a top-flight title for 20 years. The north London club appeared to be stagnating, failing to break into the prestigious Premier League top six until Arteta's arrival at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 – who has masterminded a steady revival that has seen them close in on the top two spots over the last two ambitious seasons.

The Citizens won the 2023 league title with a slender five-point advantage over Arsenal, which was further reduced when Arteta's contingent were edged out by an even narrower margin of just two points last campaign. Facing the media as the curtain rose for the 2024/25 season, Guardiola was asked who he thought would pose the biggest threats to City's title defence.

In response, he said: “At the start of the season, the first target is always to finish in the top four. People say, 'Oh come on', I say 'no'. Newcastle are not in Europe and are going to play a game a week. Newcastle with a game a week this season will be the Newcastle of two seasons ago.”

He also highlighted the threat posed by Arsenal, joking: “There's no need to talk about Arsenal.” The subtle statement indicates he recognises Arteta's prowess as the Gunners loom large in City's rear-view mirror in the Premier League title race.

Arteta, 42, is no stranger to Guardiola's methods, having been an integral part of his coaching staff at Man City from 2016 to 2019. During that tenure he absorbed invaluable insights from his mentor, a managerial titan with triumphs across La Liga, the Bundesliga and the English top flight.

As the 2023/24 season drew to a close, Guardiola hailed Arteta's achievements with Arsenal, telling beIN Sports: “What can I say? He's an incredible manager, what they've done this season with Arsenal.” Despite Arteta's impressive leadership, Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title, both during his time as a player and now as a manager.

The team were just two points behind City heading into their last game against Everton, meaning a win at the Emirates Stadium was essential, but depended on City losing to West Ham for Arsenal to clinch the title. The Gunners found themselves a goal down in the 40th minute of their game when Idrissa Gueye opened the scoring, but Takehiro Tomiyasu quickly equalised three minutes later.

Kai Havertz secured victory for the Gunners in the 89th minute, but it was not enough to seal the title for the north London side. Indeed, at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola's Blues gave the Hammers a final masterclass, with Phil Foden scoring twice and Rodri sealing the game in a 3-1 victory.

Arteta will have the opportunity to lead Arsenal to their first league title since the 'invincibles' 2003/04 season, having started his campaign on Saturday with a 2-0 home win over Wolves – with Havertz and Bukayo Saka striking either side of half-time. Meanwhile, Manchester City prepare for their season opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – with Guardiola hoping to add another trophy to his growing collection.