Arsenal finally ended their bad run of form against Manchester City as they claimed a win against Pep Guardiola’s men for the first time in 13 games. Two of last season’s top sides clashed at the Emirates in what has been the most anticipated game of the season so far.
City were without two of their top names in Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne, while Arsenal were equally missing Bukayo Saka, who was not present in the matchday squad for the first time in 87 games.
Prior to this fixture, Arteta had beaten 23 out of 24 managers he had faced in the Premier League as a manager, with the exception being only his mentor, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
It was a different story in the latest encounter as the Gunners went toe-to-toe with the reigning champions and deservedly got a goal courtesy of substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who ony returned to the squad after missing five games out due to injury.
It was the first time Ciry had lost two consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2018 and Arteta admits a win over the reigning champions is indeed a statement win from his side.
Arteta expresses pride after Arsenal beat City
Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “Great feeling obviously, you could sense it’s been so many years without beating them and today we have beaten in my opinion without a question of doubt the best team in the world, and we done it in a great way, there were moments we had to suffer, but as well moments we showed real determination, desire and belief to beat them, so really happy.”
Asked if it was a statement win after his side ended their poor Premier League record against Man City, Arteta added: “Certainly sends a message to the team, keep believing in what they are doing, they are a fantastic group of players, the way they try, the understanding, the chemistry that they have between them you sense it and you need it to beat that, today again really proud, I was proud on Wednesday when we lost the game, and I am really proud again today as well to be part of that team.”
Martinelli came off clutch to grab the winner and Arteta said about the Brazilian’s contribution: “He’s been saying for a few weeks that I was going to be there for City. Obviously, we were saying that Gabi it would be too early for you, and yesterday he said, boss I told you, I’m going to be ready for this.”
“And it happened after 30 minutes that Leo felt something in his hamstring. So, when I turned around, he was already ready, to go with his kit, and saying ‘boss, I’m ready to go’. He’s just got the joy of a kid, his mentality is incredible at his age, and it’s just a joy to have him because today he could change the game and he was really helpful for us to win.”
