Arteta Defends Guardiola as Manchester City’s Struggles Raise Questions
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence on Manchester City’s surprising winless streak, describing it as “very strange” for Pep Guardiola’s side. However, Arteta was quick to stress that such periods are part of the game and predicted that the reigning Premier League champions will bounce back soon. In doing so, he also sent a message of solidarity to his former mentor, recognizing the immense pressures that come with managing at the highest level.
Manchester City, long celebrated for their consistency and dominance under Guardiola, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. November has been a month to forget for the club, as they have failed to register a single win. Their last victory came back on October 26, a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Southampton in the Premier League. Since then, City’s form has taken a sharp downturn. They have slipped in the title race, lost crucial points in the Champions League group stage, and were eliminated from the League Cup following a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The pressure on Guardiola and his players is mounting as they head into a crucial match against league leaders Liverpool on December 1. The stakes couldn’t be higher—should City lose at Anfield, they will find themselves trailing Liverpool by 11 points in the Premier League standings. This could further complicate their already challenging season, particularly with key midfielder Rodri out for the remainder of the campaign. Adding to the team’s defensive woes, City have conceded a staggering 13 goals in their last four matches across all competitions—a figure that is uncharacteristic for a team renowned for its defensive discipline.
Arteta Praises City’s Legacy Under Guardiola
Despite their recent dip in form, Arteta remains cautious about dismissing City’s threat. The Arsenal manager, whose side sits just a point behind City in the Premier League table, expressed admiration for what Guardiola and his team have achieved over nearly a decade of dominance.
“What they’ve done over the last nine years is remarkable,” Arteta said. “Maintaining that level of excellence for such a long period is incredibly challenging. Everyone faces setbacks at some point, but for them, it’s very rare because they’ve set such a high standard. Their current struggles highlight just how difficult it is to stay at the top in this league, where everything has to be perfect, and even the smallest details can determine success or failure.”
Arteta, who served as Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking the reins at Arsenal, spoke with a tone of empathy and respect. Reflecting on his former colleague’s unprecedented success, Arteta suggested that City’s struggles should be viewed within the context of their long-term dominance rather than as a sign of decline.
Guardiola’s Visible Frustration
City’s recent poor run of form has not gone unnoticed, and Guardiola himself has shown signs of strain. During their dramatic 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League, Guardiola’s frustration was evident. Cameras captured him with a visible scratch on his nose and red marks on his head—signs of his distress as his team squandered a commanding three-goal lead. Guardiola was seen rubbing his scalp vigorously as City’s defensive frailties once again came to the fore, leaving the manager visibly agitated on the touchline.
When asked about Guardiola’s emotional state, Arteta offered a measured response. “That’s something very personal,” he said. “I have a lot of sympathy for all my colleagues in this industry because I understand the challenges we face. This job is incredibly demanding, and the margins between success and failure are so fine. We are judged solely on results, and that can be incredibly tough to deal with.”
Arteta also drew from his own experiences to highlight the emotional toll of management. “Every defeat is painful—it’s like a punch to the stomach,” he admitted. “But perspective is essential in moments like these. You analyze, you learn, and then you move forward because football doesn’t stop. There’s always another game, another opportunity to put things right.”
City’s Struggles in Context
For Guardiola, this challenging period represents uncharted territory. City have become synonymous with success during his tenure, winning five Premier League titles in six seasons, multiple domestic trophies, and finally claiming the elusive Champions League crown last season. However, the current campaign has exposed vulnerabilities in their squad, particularly in defense and midfield, where injuries and suspensions have taken a toll.
Arteta was keen to emphasize the broader context of City’s struggles. “What we’re seeing now is a bump in the road,” he said. “It’s a reminder of how competitive this league is and how much it demands from players and managers alike. But if there’s one team you’d expect to recover, it’s Manchester City. Their quality, their mentality, and their experience will carry them through.”
Looking Ahead
For City, the match against Liverpool on December 1 is more than just a test of their title credentials—it’s a chance to prove that they remain a force to be reckoned with. The result will not only impact the Premier League table but could also shape the narrative around Guardiola’s management during this turbulent period.
Arteta, meanwhile, will continue to focus on Arsenal’s own title aspirations, knowing that City’s form could still have a significant bearing on the Gunners’ chances. Yet, his words of support for Guardiola reflect the deep respect he holds for his former mentor and the understanding of the pressures that come with leading a team of City’s stature.
As City aim to turn their season around, Arteta’s comments serve as a reminder of the resilience required to compete at the highest level—and the camaraderie that exists among managers navigating the relentless demands of the modern game.