Pep Guardiola has denied that a rift has developed in his relationship with Mikel Arteta despite a number of bruising encounters between his Manchester City team and Arsenal.

In each of the past four Premier League campaigns, Arsenal have recorded more points than the season before: from a nadir of 56 points (eighth) after Arteta took over midway through the 2019-20, to 61 points (eighth), to 69 points (fifth), to 84 points (second) to 89 points (second) last season, just two points behind champions Manchester City.

The reaction from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after their clash at Wolves on Saturday was lively, as expected, as his side rallied to win late. After going down to 10 players in the first half when Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off, Arsenal dominated the second half as Joao Gomes was sent off for Wolves.