Manchester City and Arsenal have been in a two-man race for the Premier League title for the past two seasons.
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta worked together at Manchester City before the Spaniard took the helm at Arsenal.
It seems as though Guardiola’s scholar has learnt a little too much from the City boss, as the duo are going head-to-head in the Premier League for the title.
Last season, Arsenal missed out to City by a margin of just two points, as the Gunners aim to close the gap on the 2022/23 treble winners this year.
Josh Dasilva says Arsenal were better than Manchester City last season
It’s easy to form an opinion on Arsenal and City, with the direction of the silverware being one indication of the difference between the two squads.
That being said, the judgement of a player who has played both sides is more valuable than the verdict of an outsider, with an insight into the top two teams of 2023/24 now provided.
Brentford star and former Hale End ace Josh Dasilva discussed what it’s like to play against Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League when speaking to Rising Ballers.
Dasilva admitted that despite City winning the title, Arsenal were the ‘hardest team’ to play against in 2023/24.
When speaking about the most underrated and best players he’s played against, Dasilva opened up about squads as a collective.
“There’s a lot of teams I could pick, playing against City, playing against Arsenal.
“I think last season, even though City won I think Arsenal were the hardest team to play against.”
Fine margins between Arsenal and Man City
It’s interesting to learn that Arsenal provided more of a challenge on the pitch to City last term however, success isn’t determined by what happens in a match but by the final result.
Arsenal played well throughout the campaign, but City were able to capitalise on the mistakes that Arteta’s side made, highlighting the incredibly narrow room for error.
Having guided the club to recording their highest points tally in the Premier League since the 2003/04 season, Arteta is aware that near perfection is required to usurp Guardiola’s machine.
Such levels are clear as Arsenal finished just one point shy of the Invincibles tally in 03/04, which was the last time the North Londoners won the title.
Defining moments in the Premier League season aren’t joyous performances but more securing points to keep the pressure on, which has proven to be the difference between City and Arsenal thus far.
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