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Mikel Arteta says he is prepared to face a ‘strong’ Manchester City outfit, as both sides lock horns in the FA Cup on Friday.
THE LOWDOWN: ARSENAL ON THE RISE
The Gunners have been on the rise under Mikel Arteta since he took over and they have been on another level this season.
Arsenal have racked up several wins and just a defeat to their name in the first half of the season. Wins against other top sides have followed home and away in an impressive start to the season.
A doubleheader against defending champions Manchester City is set to come but there’s a first meeting in the FA Cup on the horizon on Friday.
THE LATEST: FACING THE “BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD”
“It’s a big match, and a big test for us against in my opinion the best football team in the world,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it because it will tell us a lot about where we are.
“I think there are going to be two very very different games [between the FA Cup and league matches], and to put similarities into them is very unreal. Maybe because of the players on the pitch, but as well the context is extremely different.
“Let’s see – obviously it is important to win and play well. That gives you more momentum, more confidence and prepares you better for the next match, and that’s our focus on Friday.”
Mikel also feels he is going up against the best manager in the world in his friend and former boss, Pep Guardiola.
“I always hoped that [a title challenge between the two] was going to be the case one day, and it’s happening this season,” Mikel chuckled.
“But that’s not going to change any friendship or the moments that we have, how important he is in my life or how important he is in my profession.
“We are both willing to win and defend our clubs in the best possible way, and that has always been the case since day one.
“This league brings you incredible challenges. You have the best coaches in the world, and the best coach in the world. To be at that level, you have to find other things to try and compete with them and that’s where opportunities come as well.
“We are on that pathway but understand that we haven’t done anything yet and there are still a lot of things to improve.”
THE VERDICT: DUE COMMENT
Arteta is expected to compliment his former boss and one of the most regarded managers in world football and he rightly did that.
One thing on the former Arsenal midfielder will be to outfox his countryman and ensure Arsenal march on in the FA Cup. In addition, it is an opportunity for him to see his team against the champions before their double header in the league next month.
