Mikel Arteta Arsenal Pep Guardiola Man City splitGetty/GOAL

Mikel Arteta offers brilliant response to Pep Guardiola's dig ahead of Arsenal's clash with Luton

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Article continues below

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  • Arteta asked about Guardiola's comments
  • Pep referred to Spaniard after Spurs' draw with City
  • Arteta laughed off the question
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The City boss referred to Arteta when asked about Simon Hooper's decision not to play advantage when Jack Grealish was sent through on goal against Spurs in injury time, in a game that ended in a 3-3 draw. He insisted after the game that he would not copy his former assistant, who landed himself in hot water with the Football Association after claiming that the officiating in a defeat to Newcastle was a "disgrace".

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Arteta was appointed City's assistant manager in 2016 and remained in the post until 2019, when he was appointed Arsenal's boss. As a result, it is little surprise that the ex-Everton midfielder is unwilling to fire back at his former colleague.

  • WHAT ARTETA SAID

    Asked in a press conference if he cracked a smile at Guardiola's comments, Arteta said: "Onto the next one please, thank you!"

    Pressed on whether "doing a Mikel" could go down in the footballing lexicon, he replied: "I don't know. I'm not sure. I have enough in my garden and on my plate as well, so let's move on."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA?

    The Arsenal boss is preparing his side for their clash with Luton Town on Tuesday. The two sides have not played each other since 1991 in Division One, and a win for the Gunners will move them five points clear at the top of the table.

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