Pep Guardiola does not normally make a habit of supporting rival managers but he made an honourable exception for Mikel Arteta when his countryman was in danger of being sacked.
Arteta’s head was on the block after Arsenal’s 5-0 defeat at Manchester City two seasons ago left them bottom of the table without a point or a goal after three matches.
Sensing his friend and former colleague was in serious trouble, Guardiola used his post-match platform to launch a rare and impassioned defence of him by stating: ‘I know him perfectly and the quality he has.