Mikel Arteta has explained his decision not to celebrate goals against Arsenal whilst he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Before getting the job as Arsenal manager, Arteta spent six years as a player under Arsene Wenger. As a result, he has developed a close relationship with the Gunners both on and off the pitch.
Recently, Guardiola revealed that Arteta never used to celebrate when City scored against Arsenal.
Guardiola said: “I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He’s a supporter, he was a captain there. He loves the club.
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“I remember here when we scored goals he jumped a lot except against one team.
“He was sitting there – it was Arsenal. I said, ‘That guy likes Arsenal’. Like here, if I’m training as an assistant and Barcelona call me, I go.”
After Guardiola’s quotes, a video has since emerged showing that Arteta never celebrated wildly against the Gunners.
Prior to the Premier League leaders' match against Brentford, Arteta was asked why he did not celebrate goals against the North London club.
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The Spaniard said: “Just for respect, because of the feeling I had for the club. If I had scored as a player, I would have done something similar.”
Arteta is looking to become the first man to bring the Premier League back to Arsenal since Wenger did so in the 03/04 season.
After making a stunning start to the 22/23 campaign, Arsenal are currently top of the table with 50 points, five points ahead of reigning champions City.
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Guardiola’s men have been hit and miss lately after they were beaten last time out against Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of a Harry Kane goal. When asked about City's slip-up, Arteta said: “We have enough to look after our own garden. That’s what we do - look after our own garden.”
Will Arsenal hold off the challenges and clinch the Premier League title? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Sky Sports/NBCSNTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Football, Manchester City
