Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Pep Guardiola was his idol growing up, as the Gunners boss revealed details of a conversation where the Catalan asked for his help to achieve the "dream" of playing Barcelona-style football at Manchester City.
City find themselves five points behind Arteta's side in the Premier League, with the Blues knowing they are playing catch-up with the league leaders when they take on Leeds United on December 28. The Gunners have played what many might call City-esque football under Guardiola's former deputy, as the North London club appear to have clicked into gear this season.
Arsenal's style of play should not be too surprising given Arteta spent his formative years as a coach at City from 2016 to 2019. Guardiola has talked very highly in the past about his fellow Premier League manager, with the pair sharing a bond that stretches back more than 25 years.
