Three years ago this week Mikel Arteta replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal head coach, ending a successful period as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Upon his arrival, many questioned the 40-year-old's qualities as a Premier League manager but the Spaniard is beginning to prove his worth.
Arteta has led the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table this campaign, five points above Guardiola’s side. Arsenal look set to go head-to-head with the Citizens for the title in the second half of the season, starting after Christmas against West Ham on Boxing Day.
This season, Guardiola has heaped praise on the work his former colleague has accomplished since taking over in north London, insisting that his former assistant had changed the club. The pair formed a close bond with each other during their time in Manchester and Arteta has revealed the timeline of their relationship before working together, dating back to Guardiola’s days at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
