Mikel Arteta needs to beat Guardiola to assert himself

Having only been in charge of Arsenal for just over five years, it's easy to forget that Mikel Arteta is still largely inexperienced. Meanwhile, before taking on senior Premier League jobs, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp were coaches at other famous clubs.

In December 2019, when Arteta took over at the Emirates, there was still a sense that he was maturing rapidly. In particular, the Spaniard's calmness was always appreciated.

Arteta has picked up two yellow cards in the Premier League this season, a figure that is only average compared to other managers in the competition.

Arteta’s reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial sending-off against Wolves was understated, and although he did point out the problem, Arteta has rarely lamented the number of injuries this season. That’s the opposite of Guardiola.

Arteta and Guardiola have met 14 times as managers, with the Gunners boss winning just three, including one in the Premier League.

That's why a win at the Emirates against the reigning Premier League champions could be a pivotal moment for Arteta, and it would be even better if the Gunners not only got the three points but also put in a performance to impress.

From the outside, it seems like there have been more negatives than positives surrounding Arsenal this season. Despite this, they have lost just four of their 36 games and comfortably qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. They are also second only to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Only Liverpool have a better goal difference than Arsenal in the Premier League, while the Gunners are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run with eight wins and five draws. It's not easy to conclude that Arsenal are in trouble.

However, defeating Man City will not be an easy task for Arsenal at this time. Arsenal need to play at more than 100% of their ability against a team that has caused them a lot of difficulties in the past.

With the Gunners still waiting for the Premier League title, beating Man City will be crucial. More than anyone, Arteta is keen to prove that, just over five years after leaving the Etihad, he is maturing into an elite coach.