Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it is “very strange” to see Manchester City struggle, but insists they cannot be written off in the title race.
City have not won any of their last six games across all competitions - losing five - and blew a three-goal lead against Feyenoord on Tuesday night to draw 3-3 in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently second in the Premier League and eight points behind leaders Liverpool, whom they travel to face at Anfield on Sunday.
Arteta has admitted that City’s slump is surprising, but he is wary about discounting his former club given their track record.
“What I have made of it (City’s struggles) is what they have done for nine years,” said Arteta.
“I think that is what people have to talk about, how difficult it is what they have done for nine years consistently.
“And yeah, a bump, everybody has a bump. For them, it is very strange because in nine years they never had it.
Connection: Mikel Arteta previously served as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistant coaches at Manchester City
REUTERS
“But that tells you as well the level and the environment that we are in, that everything has to go almost perfect.
“Performance has to be perfect, availability of your squad has to be perfect, things have to go your way and the opposition, the level is different, and it’s so hard to win.”
Guardiola looked distressed after City’s draw with Feyenoord, explaining afterwards that he had cut his nose with his fingernail when scratching his face.
“That is something very personal, but I feel a lot of sympathy for all my colleagues because I know the job, I know how ruthless this industry is,” said Arteta.
“I know how we get judged just by one thing, which is results, regardless that you have done exactly the same thing and the outcome becomes different.
“We have to deal with that, I know how difficult it is because personally I have been through that a lot and every defeat is obviously super painful.
“And that’s it. Then just put some perspective into it like we always do and move on, because there is always another game.”
Arsenal are in action before City head to Liverpool on Sunday, when they travel to West Ham, and a win would move them up to second in the Premier League and six points off the top.
“Well, it’s a motivation to win our game because that would put us watching that game on Sunday in a much better position,” said Arteta. “So, that’s the task.”