Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded sharply to comments made by Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães and his former assistant, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, ahead of what is shaping up to be another heated title race between the two Premier League rivals.
Last season, Arsenal and Manchester City battled for the Premier League crown, with the Gunners falling short in both campaigns. As the two sides are poised to contest for the title again this season, tensions have already begun to rise, highlighted by their recent 2-2 draw.
During that match, emotions flared, particularly when City’s Erling Haaland threw the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel after John Stones’ late equalizer. When asked about the altercation, Gabriel hinted at further confrontations, stating, “Battle, war, provocation is normal in football, and it’s part of the game. It’s over now. Now we are waiting for them at our ground.”
Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical intellect and media savvy, did not shy away from addressing Gabriel’s remarks. In a heated press conference, Guardiola made it clear that his team was ready to match Arsenal’s intensity.
“You want a war? Now we war,” Guardiola declared. “Gabriel said it perfectly after the match. He said: This is a war; we are here to provoke the opponent, to push them. At the end, what can you do? So, we have to, okay, you provoke me, okay, I’m there!”
Guardiola’s words suggest that Manchester City is prepared to take the challenge head-on, making the next meeting between the clubs highly anticipated.
Guardiola also addressed comments from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who hinted that City had employed ‘dark arts’ during their recent draw. Arteta, once a close ally of Guardiola during his time as City’s assistant manager, alluded to having insider knowledge of the club’s strategies.
In response, Guardiola took a dig at Arteta, referencing the ongoing investigation into City’s financial dealings, which resulted in over 100 charges being brought against the club by the Premier League.
“Next time, he has to be more clear exactly what he means,” Guardiola said. “Mikel said he was here four years, and we know exactly what happened here. Is it related to the 155 charges? Maybe he has information about that. Next time, like a good friend I have in him, I hope he gives a clear answer.”
As the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City continues to intensify, Guardiola’s sharp words signal that his team is ready to defend their title by any means necessary.
