Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, swiftly addressed a question about whether he had conversed with Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, about the termination of the Premier League title race this coming Sunday. His reply was a resounding no. Despite maintaining a good relationship with Guardiola, who opened the coaching door for him back in 2016 – a choice that saw Arteta decline positions in Arsenal’s academy with Arsène Wenger or at Tottenham with his old mate Mauricio Pochettino – Arteta doesn’t want to be the runner-up again when they eventually have their traditional end-of-season phone catch-up. Since Arteta resumed managing of Arsenal in 2019, this has become a customary routine.
He commented on their previous discussion, stating that it was just ordinary chat rather than an analysis, and that their topics of discussion were unrelated to football. In a recent interview with the BBC, upon receiving the distinguished Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic from the king of Spain, Arteta shared his thoughts on the extraordinary bond he holds with Guardiola, which extends beyond their shared passion for football.
Arteta pointed out that despite their shared tactical discussions, their human connection was remarkable, and their shared understanding was evident in moments of eye contact. He considers him and Guardiola very fortunate to share this bond.
There are expectations that both managers, after leading young teams through a season that has seen the title race extend to the final day, may take a break for a few weeks. Still, Arteta, instilled with a sense of relentless determination from his three years as Guardiola’s assistant, is not expected to linger in self-pity if his former manager, David Moyes, and West Ham fail to assist Arsenal significantly by stopping City from winning on Sunday.
Returning from the setback of gaining 97 points only to end up second to City in 2019, Liverpool secured their position as champions in the subsequent season for the first time in thirty years. When questioned on whether Arsenal could draw motivation from Liverpool’s comeback, Arteta said that each sportsperson desires to be victorious. “Assuming you do not win, the question then becomes – how can improvements be made in order to stand a better chance the next time? One should be brutally honest in such evaluations and strive to better oneself,” he remarked.
Arteta spent Tuesday viewing Tottenham’s match against City at home with his near and dear ones, and described the experience as “equal to virtually playing the game alongside” Spurs. Notwithstanding the pivotal point when Tottenham’s Son Heung-min had the chance to level the scores and thus boost Arsenal’s chances, Arteta was adamant that merely being in this situation is indicative of the strides his team has made since they relented their hold over the title to City the preceding April.
Speaking of Son, he stated, “Of all the Premier League players, he would have been my top choice for that particular moment,” eliciting reactions where his children would circle the table with their hands on their heads in disbelief. “One can only picture the scene. But such moments are extraordinary in their own right – the fact that one has the opportunity to witness it firsthand, amidst one’s loved ones and fellow team members. Being part of such an experience. Recollect that the title race [last season] was concluded with a good number of games still remaining.”
Arteta also mused, “During times of high tension and heightened emotions, games tend to descend into chaos, amidst which anything can indeed happen – things that usually wouldn’t. That’s where the wonder of the game can transpire as well. We have seen this scenario play out repeatedly. In my opinion, the wonder has already begun to manifest because this is precisely what every football enthusiast or follower is yearning for. They want the entire league to be decided in the very last game, in the final minutes of an event of this magnitude. The Premier League is the most captivating league globally, by a significant margin, and you have not only two teams rivalling for the top spot but also several other teams battling it out for their respective positions. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for and what makes it the most fiercely contested league in the world.”
Arteta has known the thrill of securing a Premier League championship on the final day, having been on the City’s reserve team for their 4-1 triumph over Brighton in 2019. He also tasted victory in the previous season. In the lead up to the critical match with Everton at the Emirates on Sunday, he warmly recollected these past experiences. However, there was a palpable sentiment that a victory this time, particularly if Arsenal defies the expected outcomes, would be more gratifying.
Arteta described the unpredictability of such moments as intoxicating. “You’re present, you’re fighting for it, the desire is intense, and there are numerous variables that can instantly turn the tide. Yet, when you finally secure it, the elation is unparalleled,” he said. He admitted that should the day come, it would be among the top highlights of his athletic career. He hadn’t achieved this dream during his playing days, and now fosters a similar ambition as a manager. “If I could pull it off, along with the hardworking staff here, it would indeed be a day to remember,” he mused. — Guardian