Arsenal’s Arteta Says He Still 'Loves' Guardiola After Controversial Draw

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has affirmed that he still "loves" Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola despite their tense encounter in last weekend's top-of-the-table clash.

The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, with City needing a stoppage-time header from John Stones to salvage a point against 10-man Arsenal. Leandro Trossard was sent off for Arsenal just before halftime, leaving the Gunners at a numerical disadvantage.

Arteta's side, which finished as Premier League runners-up to City for the past two seasons, tried to slow the game down in the second half with time-wasting tactics and strategic fouls. This led to City players, including Stones and Bernardo Silva, accusing Arsenal of using unsportsmanlike tactics or "dark arts" to disrupt the flow of the game.

Despite the heated contest, Arteta, who worked under Guardiola as an assistant at Manchester City before taking the Arsenal job, made it clear that his relationship with Guardiola remains intact.

"I love him, I respect him and I admire him, his team and everything that he does," Arteta said in a Friday press conference ahead of Arsenal's match against Leicester City.

Arteta emphasized that while the rivalry on the pitch can be intense, it does not affect his personal relationship with Guardiola. "This is a sport — one thing is our profession and the other is our personal relationship."

He further elaborated, saying that a strong friendship can withstand the pressures of competition. "If my relationship has to be damaged because we play against each other and one draws or the one wins, or the amount of times that we have lost, then I wouldn't talk to him any more."

When asked if it becomes more challenging to maintain a friendship when competing for the title, Arteta responded, "It's quite simple — don't take it personally, it's part of our job."

Arsenal, currently unbeaten, are fourth in the Premier League standings, trailing league leaders Manchester City by two points after five games. The Gunners will also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week.

Arteta added that goalkeeper David Raya's availability for the upcoming match against Leicester remains uncertain after he picked up an injury during the game against City. "We have to wait 24 hours to see if he's looking good or not that good," Arteta said.

Arsenal will continue to push forward, with a focus on the Premier League and their upcoming Champions League campaign.