It is still very early days for the Premier League race to be called but there’s already comparisons and assumptions being made. Arsenal are in the lead, having dropped points just twice in the season, and Manchester City, beaten once, are breathing just behind them.
It is a case of master and apprentice in the chase for the league title, as Mikel Arteta, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant just three seasons ago, stakes his claim for the coveted silverware. Pep, an experienced head in these spheres doesn’t seem worried at all at Arsenal’s machinations and his side’s performances have had the writings of a reminder who the boss is.
The two managers are known for an almost similar style of football and it is expected, with Arteta having worked under Guardiola before Arsenal approached him as a replacement for Unai Emery.
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Arteta has gradually developed his team since inheriting a bloated squad from Unai Emery and the last two seasons weren’t anything close to comfortable. He has established his style, and in some instances, had to force out a number of senior players. The patience from the management seems to be paying off and this season the team is playing some of the best football.
Of course there has been a heavy investment in the playing unit, which included the Spaniard going for some of the players he worked with at Manchester City. The two – Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are doing well and have engineered a shift in mentality at the North London side.
Arsenal now look like a serious title contender, even though they are still short of the quality Manchester City brings on board. The fact that they can see off fellow top four contenders means Arsenal should be taken seriously. Their win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby was in no means a mean feat and a reminder that at the least, Arsenal are ready for a return to the UEFA Champions League. They last played in the Champions League under Arsene Wenger, who left four years ago.
Guardiola will be unfazed at his student being at the top of the league, and the two chasing the same prize. In terms of financial muscle and personnel, the Manchester City tactician will know he has what it takes to go the long haul. The fact that City allowed two of their top players to leave for Arsenal says it all, and the mini-restructuring at the club hasn’t seemed to affect the momentum as City goes for another league title.
For City, and Guardiola, having the most destructive tool in football – Erling Haaland – presents the biggest of their ambitions. The Norwegian scored three hat tricks in the opening eight league games, and has shown all the qualities of a player that can lift the team straight to the league title.
