Advertisement

Mikel Arteta 'stroke of luck' claim made as Man City star delivers 'not surprised' title verdict

Man City manager Pep Guardiola (R) stands alongside assistant Mikel Arteta during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on May 9, 2018 in Manchester, England.
-Credit: (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)


Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan says it would be a stroke of luck if he were to follow in Mikel Arteta's footsteps into management.

The Arsenal boss, who worked under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, has become City's main threat for the Premier League title, running them close in the last two seasons. Fresh from signing a new deal with the Gunners, the former midfield playmaker has been backed by Gundogan to compete for the Premier League title in the years to come.

The German international, who was coached by Arteta during his time in Manchester, says he's not surprised by the high level of performances at the Emirates under the 42-year-old.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta may do something he's not done at Arsenal for three years vs Man City

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta receives triple Arsenal title boost from Atalanta draw ahead of Man City clash

"Mikel is a very smart person who really knows what he wants and has to do to achieve certain things,” Gundogan told Sky Germany. “It quickly became clear to me when I met him that this was the path he would take.

"I’m not surprised that he’s doing so well with Arsenal and that they’re playing football at such a high level. Pep’s influence is of course very big because Mikel worked with Pep for several years.

"That’s why the gameplay is very similar. Therefore, the duel is perhaps more interesting than other duels. He’s really doing a great job and just extended his contract a few days ago.

"So, he will stay with Arsenal for a few more years and I am sure that they will continue to compete for the title in the next few years. If I could follow a similar path to Mikel in the future, that would be a stroke of luck.”

The Gunners take on City at the Etihad this weekend, looking to deal an early title blow to their main rivals. Guardiola's side pipped Arsenal to the title on the final day of last season and have made a perfect start to the current campaign with four wins from four.

A win for Arteta and his men would inflict the first defeat of the season onto City and leapfrog them to the top of the league.