For the past few seasons, Arsenal fans have lived the same frustrating script. Just when the Gunners look ready to lift the Premier League trophy, Manchester City step in and take control.
This raises the big question: Is Pep Guardiola simply better than his former assistant Mikel Arteta, or are Arsenal just not ready yet?
To answer this properly, we must look at recent team performances, not just reputation.
Recent Team Performance Comparison
Over the last two Premier League campaigns, the numbers show why Manchester City still hold the upper hand — but also why Arsenal are getting closer.
Manchester City (Recent Trend)
City continues to behave like serial winners:
- Long winning streaks in the second half of the season
- Very few dropped points after March
- Strong goal difference year after year
- Ability to win tight matches late
Typical pattern:
City may start slowly, but once they hit top gear in the run-in, they become almost unstoppable.
This is where Pep’s experience shows most.
Arsenal (Recent Trend)
Arsenal’s performance curve tells a slightly different story:
Strengths:
- Fast starts to the season
- Excellent home form
- Strong defensive structure
- Improved consistency vs mid-table teams
Weak points:
- Points dropped during injury periods
- Slight dip in the final stretch
- Heavy reliance on key attackers
- Occasional struggles breaking low blocks
The gap is no longer huge — but it still appears at the decisive moments.
Head-to-Head Impact
When the title race tightens, City’s direct and indirect pressure affects Arsenal.
In recent seasons:
- City often go on 8–12 game winning runs
- Arsenal usually match them for a while
- But one or two draws/losses cost the Gunners heavily
That is the difference between contenders and serial champions.
Squad Depth Comparison
Manchester City Depth
City rotate without losing quality:
- Multiple world-class midfield options
- Flexible attacking setups
- Defensive cover in every position
- Bench players who can start anywhere
This allows Pep to manage fatigue perfectly.
Arsenal Depth
Arteta has improved depth, but gaps still appear when:
- Key wingers are missing
- The main striker is unavailable
- Midfield rotation is stretched
- Fixture congestion increases
Over a 38-game season plus Europe, this matters enormously.
Tactical Evolution: Arteta Is Learning Fast
It is important to recognise how much Arsenal have improved under Arteta.
The Gunners now:
- Control possession better
- Press more effectively
- Concede fewer cheap goals
- Compete strongly against the top-six rivals
In fact, Arsenal now look more like a mini-City in structure, which is no coincidence given Arteta’s background.
The student has clearly studied the master.
The Mentality Gap
This remains the hardest thing to build.
Manchester City:
- Believe they will win the title
- Stay calm under pressure
- Know how to close seasons
Arsenal:
- Compete strongly
- Show belief
- But we are still building title-winning muscle memory
Usually, teams must lose a title race before they learn how to win one.
What Arsenal Must Improve to Overtake City
For Arsenal to finally stop City “spoiling everything,” they likely need:
- A clinical, elite striker
- One more high-level midfielder
- Better injury management
- Continued squad depth investment
- Ruthlessness in April and May
If these pieces fall into place, the balance could shift quickly.
Final Verdict
Right now, Pep Guardiola still holds the advantage over Mikel Arteta — and Manchester City’s performances prove why they remain the benchmark.
However, Arsenal are no longer outsiders.
They are:
- Genuine title contenders
- Tactically mature
- Defensively strong
- And improving every season
The teacher is still ahead… but the student is getting dangerously close.
