Mikel Arteta used to be Pep Guardiola's assistant during the period when the Spanish coach faced the question of his ability to win the quadruple with Manchester City. "ALMOST impossible" - Guardiola then affirmed.
History has proven he is right. But 7 years later, Arsenal is still the team that is nurturing the ambition to conquer all four titles. Is that feasible? "For them, yes" - Guardiola admitted.
Now, Guardiola has another special connection with the London team. Man City is still fighting on three fronts, but it is increasingly clear that they only have real opportunities in two arenas. Although there is still a direct confrontation with Arsenal in the Premier League, the 9-point gap makes the championship race almost out of their hands.
To finish the season with at least one title, Guardiola is likely to have to overcome Arsenal themselves. If not at the Etihad, then it could be at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, or further in the FA Cup if they overcome Liverpool in the quarterfinals.
3 years ago, Guardiola's four-time dream was only stopped by Nathan Jones - when Southampton created one of the rare victories in a difficult period. Now, he can become the one who directly prevents Arsenal from making history, like a "king" being pushed down to the role of creator of the successor.
However, Guardiola once won the "domestic quadruple" in the 2018-2019 season, when he and Man City won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and English Super Cup. Notably, Arteta was also an assistant at that time. "These are four titles, although not all of them are the most prestigious tournaments, but we have done it" - he emphasized.
Guardiola is also behind Man City's historic treble in the 2022-2023 season. The advice he gives to Arsenal is clearly not to be complacent. "Focus on each match. When the spirit is good, victory will strengthen belief, confidence increases, and then everything can happen" - the Spanish captain shared.
Perhaps it was the time working with Guardiola that helped Arteta imbue this philosophy. However, for Guardiola, the biggest risk is that he has trained someone who can succeed him in the role of dominating English football.
For many years, Guardiola has always considered Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool his biggest rival. But when his four consecutive Premier League titles were ended, the name that made the difference was Arne Slot. And now, Arteta's Arsenal has emerged as a new force - even considered the most formidable team in Europe.
The Citizens once held that position in their peak period, largely thanks to their characteristic controlled football philosophy. However, Arsenal currently has a different face: more pragmatic, more disciplined and especially dangerous in set pieces. This is a clear mark of dedicated coach Nicolas Jover.
Solidity is the most prominent point. Arsenal has only lost 3 out of 50 matches this season, while Man City has suffered 9 defeats. Even in his best season in England, Guardiola's fewest number of defeats is 5 (excluding penalty shootouts).
Arteta may not have a star-studded squad like Guardiola, but his team operates more effectively. Some tactical ideas between the two people are similar, but Arteta has developed in his own direction and leans towards efficiency.
There was a time when the whole world wanted to copy Guardiola. But currently, the Premier League is shifting to a physically strong football, focusing on set pieces and decisive moments. In that context, Arteta's influence is increasingly clear, while Guardiola is no longer the only role model.
As for the others, if they only copy verbatim, it will not be interesting" - Guardiola said.
The coming weeks could become a turning point in the power transition. Arteta is currently unbeaten in the last six encounters with Guardiola, after a series of eight defeats before that. He could prevent Man City from winning the Carabao Cup, end their dominance in the Premier League and even aim for a treble.
In the opposite direction, Guardiola - who is famous for his impressive performance in the finals - is facing the risk of decline. He has lost the last two FA Cup finals at Wembley, and another defeat may be a clear sign of decline.
However, the biggest lesson that Arteta can learn from his own teacher is still valuable: the Champions League is the harshest arena. Fighting on four fronts will almost certainly cause a team, no matter how comprehensive, to stumble somewhere.
And this time, Guardiola could completely be the one to create that stumble for Arsenal.
