Mikel Arteta has hailed Pep Guardiola as ‘one of the best manager in history’ as Arsenal attempt to hold off Manchester City and win the Premier League.
Arsenal boast a six-point lead over Man City at the highest of the Premier League with 13 games remaining.
It looked as if Arsenal’s advantage can be nine after they beat Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday and watched on as Liverpool led Man City with just ten minutes remaining.
But Guardiola’s side scored two late goals to go away Anfield with an enormous victory and restore their six-point deficit on title favourites Arsenal.
Arteta is hoping to develop into the primary Arsenal manager since Arsene Wenger to lift the Premier League trophy, having won two league titles as Guardiola’s assistant at Man City.
Arteta says it was a ‘privilege’ to work under Guardiola and declared his former boss because the ‘best manager in history’.
‘I’ve learnt from Pep since I used to be 15, after we first met at Barcelona,’ Arteta told TNT Sports when asked what he learnt from his time under Guardiola.
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‘Then I had the privilege to work with him and to experience so many incredible moments together. He was a master, in my view the best in history.
‘He has revolutionised the sport and the best way people understand the sport. To be an element of that was just an incredible experience, I’m very, very grateful.’
Guardiola has won league titles in England, Spain and Germany and holds the record for essentially the most consecutive league games won within the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga.
One record Guardiola doesn’t own is essentially the most trophies won by a football manager, with Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson holding that accolade.
Guardiola shouldn’t be the one legendary figure Arteta has learnt from, with the Arsenal manager playing under Wenger during his playing profession.
Discussing his time under Wenger and the teachings he learned, Arteta added: ‘The very first thing, his love and respect for the sport.
‘After which how much he wanted every player to precise themselves. He was really good at being very firm with what he wanted, but allowing you the liberty and the space to make decisions on the pitch.
‘That was an important balance. He was very, very consistent with that and really calm and composed as well.’
Arsenal’s lead within the title race may very well be just three points by the point they face Brentford on Thursday as Man City tackle Fulham the previous evening.
Liverpool won the Premier League by ten points last season but have endured a dismal title defence, slipping to sixth – 17 points behind Arsenal.
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