Mikel Arteta has described Manchester City’s recent slump as “very strange” but insists the reigning champions remain a major threat in the Premier League title race. City have endured a torrid run, failing to win any of their last six games across all competitions, including a dramatic 3-3 Champions League draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday where they squandered a three-goal lead. Despite their struggles, City are second in the Premier League, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who they face at Anfield on Sunday.
Arteta, who spent years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, expressed his surprise at their dip in form but cautioned against ruling them out given their incredible consistency over the last decade. “What I have made of it is what they have done for nine years,” Arteta said. “I think that is what people have to talk about, how difficult it is what they have done for nine years consistently. And yeah, a bump—everybody has a bump. For them, it is very strange because in nine years they never had it.”
The Arsenal boss highlighted the razor-thin margins in football that make sustained dominance so rare, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League. “Performance has to be perfect, availability of your squad has to be perfect, things have to go your way, and the opposition—the level is different,” he added. “It’s so hard to win.”
Guardiola cut a distressed figure after City’s draw in Rotterdam, even explaining that a scratch on his face was self-inflicted when he accidentally cut himself with a fingernail. Arteta empathised with his former mentor, acknowledging the immense pressure managers face. “I feel a lot of sympathy for all my colleagues because I know the job, I know how ruthless this industry is,” said Arteta. “We get judged just by one thing, which is results, regardless that you have done exactly the same thing and the outcome becomes different.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Arteta admitted that setbacks are painful but emphasised the importance of perspective. “Every defeat is obviously super painful,” he said. “Then just put some perspective into it like we always do and move on, because there is always another game.”
Before City’s clash with Liverpool, Arsenal have their own task to handle, traveling to West Ham on Saturday. A win would see them leapfrog City into second place, narrowing the gap to six points behind Liverpool. Arteta is keen for his side to seize the opportunity and ramp up the pressure at the top. “It’s a motivation to win our game because that would put us watching that game on Sunday in a much better position,” he said.
As the Premier League season approaches a critical juncture, Arteta remains wary of dismissing City’s pedigree, while ensuring Arsenal maintain their own momentum. City’s Anfield showdown could prove pivotal, but Arsenal’s focus is firmly on keeping themselves in contention.
