Mikel Arteta tries to diffuse tensions with the Man City boss

Mikel Arteta tries to diffuse tensions with the Man City boss—I adore Pep.

Declaring his love, respect, and admiration for Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta makes a transparent attempt to alleviate growing tensions with his former coach.

Amidst the fallout from the intense tie with Manchester City the previous weekend, Guardiola ordered Arteta's Arsenal to get ready for battle. The Gunners reacted by defeating Leicester 4-2 at the Emirates in the last seconds.

Speaking before of the match on Saturday, Guardiola also asked his old teammate to clarify his assertion that, after his four-year tenure at City, he had "all the information" about the champions.

Arteta responded to Guardiola's comments by saying, "I can repeat it, very clear." I adore Pep. I think highly of him. And ever since I was ten years old, I have admired him.

"I know how hard he works, which is why I say, 'I know him.'" I have never seen a person work as hard as Pep, the coaches, and the entire football team does to routinely win. And this is what I've discovered—the reason they remain is because they sustain that hunger.

"I am unable to clarify myself further than that. I can repeat it if you would like. That being said, I have no control over someone who wishes to harm our relationship. Both him and the employees are aware of the depth of the feeling.

"I know how hard he works, which is why I say, 'I know him.'" I have never seen a person work as hard as Pep, the coaches, and the entire football team does to routinely win. And this is what I've discovered—the reason they remain is because they sustain that hunger.

"I am unable to clarify myself further than that. I can repeat it if you would like. That being said, I have no control over someone who wishes to harm our relationship. Both him and the employees are aware of the depth of the feeling.

But after six games, Arsenal and City were tied at 14 points after Trossard's strike from a corner in the fourth minute of additional time deflected off Wilfred Ndidi. Five minutes later, Kai Havertz added a fourth goal.

Arteta continued, "It was very emotional and more emotional than we wanted, but I am really pleased with how we played and dominated the game," after what might have been a crucial game in Arsenal's pursuit of a title.

"I was happy with how we handled that, but after 2-0, the result should have been bigger, but this is the Premier League, the caliber of the opponent, and they scored two goals." We had complete emotional control. We deserved to win the game hands down.

With 20 minutes remaining, referee Samuel Barrott should have given Riccardo Calafiori a second yellow card, according to manager Steve Cooper, who was booked for protesting what he believed to be a foul on Jamie Vardy in the build-up to Arsenal's first goal. Arsenal's thrilling late win leaves Leicester with just three points from 18 games.

Cooper stated, "We were disappointed that Vardy didn't receive a foul call and find it unbelievable that the Arsenal left-back wasn't sent off."

"We felt that both of the referee's poor decisions were made, so we're trying not to let that become the headline because I want to accept responsibility."

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