'Now we war' – Guardiola on growing rivalry with Arsenal

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that his rivalry with Arsenal has grown more heated, following incidents during their recent Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

The 2-2 draw between the title contenders last Sunday was filled with tense moments, including City striker Erling Haaland throwing the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel. Several key flashpoints have since sparked a war of words between the two clubs.

After the match, City's John Stones and Kyle Walker claimed that Arsenal employed the "dark arts" to protect their 2-1 lead at half-time. Stones later secured a late equaliser for City in the eighth minute of added time.

Speaking on Friday, Guardiola commented: "You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there."

Gabriel, Arsenal's Brazilian centre-back, had said post-match: "It's a battle, a war, so it's normal to have provocative acts in football, it's part of the game. Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground."

Arteta's response to 'dark arts' accusations

When asked on Tuesday about the claims regarding Arsenal's use of 'dark arts', Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, remained composed. Arteta spent over three years as Guardiola's assistant at City before taking the Arsenal job in December 2019.

"I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know, believe me," Arteta said, alluding to his time under Guardiola.

On Friday, Guardiola responded, saying: "Next time Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here. That can be related to the process now with 115 charges, maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he had something like, I don't know…?"

City are currently in the midst of a hearing examining 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

Despite the back-and-forth between the managers, Arteta played down any talk of personal animosity on Friday. "I love him, I respect him and I admire him," Arteta said of Guardiola. "I admire his team and everything that he does. This is sport. One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship. Sport will never get in the way of a personal relationship, that's for sure."

Rivalry fuelled by title battles

The rivalry between City and Arsenal has intensified in recent years as both clubs have fought for Premier League supremacy.

In the 2022-23 season, Arsenal held an eight-point lead at the top of the table in early April but faltered in a run of four matches without a win, eventually finishing five points behind City.

Last season, Arsenal were once again leading the pack in April, but a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at home allowed City to overtake them, with the Gunners ultimately finishing two points adrift, despite winning their final six matches.

The growing tension between the clubs was on full display last weekend when, after City's stoppage-time equaliser, Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel's head. Many pundits suggested the Norwegian striker should have been suspended for the act.

"I would say that sometimes the emotions are there," Guardiola said. "I'm pretty sure [Haaland] is not proud, but listen, the type of Arsenal challenges, I understand it."

The two sides are scheduled to meet again in the Premier League on 1 february, although there is a possibility they could clash earlier in one of the domestic cup competitions.