The fourth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium is the first meeting of the season between Guardiola’s champions and the team who have emerged as the biggest threat to their crown. Arteta feels City remain the team to beat but Guardiola believes it is his former City assistant who holds the upper hand.
‘A team with 50 points in one leg (half of the season) is the best,’ he said.
‘We have to prove how far away or how close we are. The best way is to perform our best level, otherwise it will be difficult.’
Guardiola said he saw Arteta as his successor if he had not signed a new deal at City but knows his fellow Spaniard always dreamt of returning to Arsenal.
‘I know he went to “his” club, the team he dreams of,’ he added.
‘When we were together here, when we scored goals, he’d jump a lot and celebrate – except against one team. It was Arsenal.’
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