Mikel Arteta believes he knows why Pep Guardiola and former employers Manchester City are "going backwards" this season before their clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday

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.

Pep Guardiola will remain without Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake for Manchester City’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal. City head to the Emirates trailing the Gunners by six points having rescued their Champions League campaign midweek with victory over Club Brugge.