Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has come to the defence of Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta again after the team’s poor run continues.
Guardiola had the last laugh over his former assistant on Tuesday night when Man City recorded a 4-1 win against them inside the Emirate Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The 4-1 defeat means that Arsenal has conceded 15 goals in their last eight appearances in all competitions.
Defending his former assistant, the Spanish tactician said it would be a “big mistake” for Arsenal to sack him.
Knowing fully well that the job is about results, Arsenal is yet to win in eight domestic league and cup matches. This has piled more pressure on Arteta who left the Etihad where he was Guardiola’s assistant, 12 months ago to take charge at Emirates Stadium.
“I’m pretty sure they are going to trust him. They will do a big mistake if they are thinking [of dismissing him].
“I know his incredible quality as a human being and especially as a manager, how he is involved in everything,” added the City boss.
“It’s just a question of time and he will do well.
“Football changes in one week so quick. I can speak about my experience alongside him – one of the most incredible, successful teams in English history we had, and he was part of this success.
“It would not be possible without him. To create something like this you need time like I had in my first season,” said Guardiola when asked if Arsenal need to stick with Arteta.
Will Arsenal still keep faith with Arteta?
The games will be coming thick and fast due to the congested fixtures and it is high time Arteta finds a solution to the team’s problem before being shown the exit door.
Arteta, who has stated that he has no intention of resigning from the post feels he has the support of the club. This has been expressed by the club director, Edu who believes the Spaniard can turn things around at the club.
He could be getting privileged because he is a former Arsenal captain won the FA Cup in his first season in charge of the club as a coach and also began the season on a winning note with the Community Shield victory over Liverpool at the end of August.
But he has been Arsenal worst manager in the past 26 years as the Gunners are currently sitting in 15th spot of the league table, four points above the relegation zone and without a win in seven league games.
Another reason for being given a benefit of a doubt could be because he has 100 percent record in the Europa League this season. But being comfortably beaten by City on Tuesday is not a good sight to watch.
Looking at the record of Guardiola in City, the Spaniard has won two Premier League titles, three EFL Cups and one FA Cup after failing to secure a trophy in his first season at City in 2016-17.
So, it could be that Arteta needs time. So, it is hoped that he might get the time he needs, But it is important that he get results. Without that, Arsenal might get relegated with the way things are going.
