Opinion

After Unai Emery, Arsenal need more help from a close friend of Mikel Arteta in Premier League title race

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Arsenal have a glimmer of hope in the Premier League title race, following some help from former manager Unai Emery.

It comes as the Gunners have all the work to do in the battle for first place, with Liverpool running away at the top.

However, the Reds have been reigned in slightly as a late draw against Everton has been compounded by another draw against Aston Villa.

Emery’s side masterminded a 2-2 stalemate against Arne Slot’s team, opening up a chance for Arsenal to swoop in with a game in hand now in their favour.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 LiverpoolLiverpool26 18 7 1 62 26 36 61
2 ArsenalArsenal25 15 8 2 51 22 29 53

Mikel Arteta needs things to still swing slightly more in his direction to have the Premier League title back in his hands.

Another game without a win for Liverpool would put it into Arsenal’s control once again, with help required from an old friend of Arteta’s.

Arsenal FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal need Pep Guardiola to help with Premier League title race

Arsenal could do with some help in the Premier League to get the title chance back within their grasp once again.

That could follow over the weekend, thanks to the fixture schedule pitting rivals Liverpool against Manchester City.

  • Premier League
    • Man CityManchester City

      LiverpoolLiverpool

The Gunners managed to take four points from Pep Guardiola this season, with a recent 5-1 thrashing coming as a real boost to Arteta.

The Arsenal manager will be hoping that City are more defensively resolute than that on Sunday though, when they take on Liverpool.

With the current champions at home, it could be an opportunity for them to stoke the fire of a title race by denying the visitors victory.

It would see Guardiola do a huge favour to his old friend Arteta, with the pair going way back in their history together.

Manchester City FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

What Mikel Arteta has said about his friendship with Pep Guardiola

Arteta and Guardiola have been friends for some time, even if their relationship has been tested by matters on the pitch.

Coming through the Man City coaching staff, the pair worked through some of the most successful periods of the club’s history at the Etihad Stadium.

That all changed when Arteta moved to Arsenal, embarking on a rebuild that has since seen the Gunners return to the top.

Two Premier League title challenges saw Arteta go head-to-head with Guardiola, though the respect was never lost.

That’s not to say the friendship hasn’t been tested in big moments, not least earlier this season when Arsenal drew late with Man City.

Arteta moved to clarify his respect and admiration for Guardiola, stating: “I’ve admired him since I was 10 years old.

“I respect him profoundly. I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and continues to do for me.

“If someone wants to damage the relationship, that’s not in my hands. The feeling [of affection] is profound. [Guardiola] knows it, the staff know it because I still [speak] with them today, and with the board, the ownership – with everyone.”

Arteta has outlined how much Guardiola has done for him, now he will be hoping for one more favour, this time in the form of beating title rivals Liverpool.