VIDEO: Written in the stars! Footage shows all the times Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to celebrate against Gunners during days as Pep Guardiola's Man City assistant

Footage of Arteta sat in the City dugout has shown he would remain seated, rather than up celebrating, when City would score against Arsenal. Arteta spent three-and-a-half years as Guardiola’s assistant before returning as manager to the club he finished his career at. Arteta does not share the same affinity with City and few would be surprised if he celebrates lavishly on Sunday should he beat his former club.

In 2023, Guardiola spoke about Arteta's refusal to celebrate. He said: "I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He's a supporter, he was a captain there. He loves the club.

"I remember here when we scored goals he jumped a lot except against one team. He was sitting there - it was Arsenal. I said, 'That guy likes Arsenal'. Like here, if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I go."

Arteta has transformed Arsenal into City's key challengers in the past two seasons and they’re vying for the title once again. Arteta's team are top of the Premier League and are arguably more equipped than ever to end their Etihad hoodoo and seize initiative in the title race.

Arteta returns to the Etihad on Sunday knowing how much an important victory over his close friend Guardiola would mean. Arsenal are also competing in the Champions League and face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals in less than a fortnight.