Mikel Arteta Sets Record Jurgen Klopp Couldn't Against Man City Under Pep Guardiola

Mikel Arteta set a record not even Jurgen Klopp could match after Arsenal snatched a point against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on Sunday.

For the second time in five days, super-sub Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score as the Gunners walked away with a 1-1 draw against City, who took an early lead through Erling Haaland.

Martinelli got on the end of an Eberechi Eze pass before catching Gianluigi Donnarumma off his line in added time.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his players. “I think the way we played, the way we dominated almost every aspect of the game, apart from the scoreline, it was outstanding," he said.

"I know that as a coach, and people like me know how difficult it is to do that against Manchester City, and what I would say is, we are very disappointed with the result.”

Unlike many others in the game, Arteta boasts an impressive record against Pep Guardiola. In fact, he is the first manager in history to go five consecutive league games unbeaten against the former Barcelona manager.

It was an unusual afternoon for Pep as he watched Arsenal dominate possession for large periods.

As per Opta, City's possession figure of 32.8 per cent in Sunday's Premier League fixture was the lowest that a team managed by Guardiola has recorded in a top-flight league game.

Guardiola later joked that he was made to “suffer” after parking the bus for the first time in a decade.

After being told about the possession stats, the City boss laughed. “I can’t live in this country with another record," he smiled. "I’m so proud of it. You have to give Arsenal a lot of credit."

He added: "One time in 10 years is not bad, eh? I have to prove myself again with a different strategy. So, now I have a transition team. I said I don’t give a f*** about the results, I want to see the spirit back in the training sessions and us enjoying."

📊Arteta is now the first manager to avoid defeat in five league meetings with Guardiola.

✅ Arsenal 1-0 Man City (23/24)
🤝 Man City 0-0 Arsenal (23/24)
🤝 Man City 2-2 Arsenal (24/25)
✅ Arsenal 5-1 Man City (24/25)
🤝 Arsenal 1-1 Man City (2025) #AFC pic.twitter.com/ccVbcjR898

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Gary Neville questions Pep Guardiola decision during Arsenal vs Man City game

With 76 minutes on the clock, Guardiola decided to bring on defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez for Erling Haaland; a substitution that surprised Sky pundit and commentator Gary Neville.

“That is a surprise, especially from a defensive viewpoint," he said.

Guardiola would soon explain why Haaland was taken off. "The first three of four balls he could win the duels and win all the duels with Gabriel and Saliba. Sorry, it's not easy," he said after being asked about the sub.

"At the end he was exhausted, a lot of pain in his back. He was suffering the last few days. It's so demanding and he will take a break."