Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola named Arsenal the best team in the Premier League this season. The reigning English champions have only lost one league game but are still behind the Gunners in the table.
“We have had an incredible season, [Arsenal] they have been better”, Guardiola said during his usual Friday press conference. “We want to be there as close to them as possible, but the season is very long. A lot of things will happen, a lot of tough games”.
Reporters also asked Guardiola if Arsenal could stay top of the table and challenge for the title. “Compared to previous seasons, that’s for sure. They won’t be the only ones. Last season they weren’t contenders to win the Premier League, this season they will be,” Guardiola proclaimed.
Pep Guardiola gives great reviews to Arsenal
The City manager also spoke about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta being his previous deputy in Manchester. “Mikel, we worked together for three years but they taught him since he was born and he has experiences in England. Perhaps I learned more from him when we worked together, “said the coach.
“Arsenal has the work ethic, the talent, the support. Mikel had a hard time at first, but people see how he works every day, the commitment. He is patient, all managers want time to build something. Arsenal have given it to him, the rest is the position that he has”.
Patience the key for Arsenal
While many Premier League clubs have their managers at bay, Arsenal have given Arteta time to adapt and grow. The Gunners finished eighth in Arteta’s first full season in charge of the club. They then only missed out on a place in the top four by two points during the 2021/22 campaign. Now Arsenal officials are being rewarded with patience from him.
Despite Arsenal’s current place in the standings, Arteta has remained solely focused on the game against the team. “I’m not here to comment on that,” Arteta said of his team’s title chances. “What I want to do is finish as high as possible and play my best.”
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
