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Both managers have exchanged a never-ending war of words since their 2-2 draw last weekend.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has downplayed talk of falling out with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, saying he "loves" his former colleague and cannot control attempts to "damage" their friendship.
His comments come in the wake of the Gunners' 4-2 win against minnows Leicester City while City's Premier League title defense was dealt a blow after they drew 1-1 with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
Man City also dropped to second on the log after Liverpool scrapped past Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1, to throw the title race wide open after just six matches ."I've admired him since I was 10 years old," Arteta said on Saturday.
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10:55 - 27.09.2024
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"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."
The Gunners scored twice in stoppage time after surrendering a two-goal advantage, conceding two goals in their consecutive match after their tumultuous collapse at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.
"The positive energy is feeding out of the club at the moment," former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott told Final Score.
"It is even bigger to get the win because Man City dropped points at Newcastle."In my time [at Arsenal], there was an element of: 'Can we do it?' What Mikel has instilled is that belief that they will do it."
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