Man City v Arsenal: Arteta ready for battle with 'best coach in the world' Guardiola

Mikel Arteta has hailed Pep Guardiola as “the best coach in the world” ahead of Arsenal's top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Liverpool with reigning champions City one point behind.

The Gunners have won eight games on the trot this year, scoring a prolific 33 goals along the way, but face the ultimate test of their title credentials against a City side looking to become the first team to secure four English top-flight crowns in a row.

Arteta has close ties with his title rivals after a three-year spell as assistant coach to Guardiola before leaving to take over at the North London club in what is his first managerial role.

Last season, it looked like Arteta was set to guide Arsenal to their first championship since 2004 – holding an eight-point lead at the top at the start of April – only to be overhauled by City in the home straight.

And now Arteta and Guardiola are going toe-to-toe again with Arsenal twice having come out on top in games this season – winning the Community Shield on penalties and the league game at the Emirates Stadium 1-0 in October thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's late winner.

When asked on Friday whether his relationship with Guardiola was different now due to the rivalry, Arteta replied: “It had to change.

“My admiration and what I feel for him certainly hasn't. In my opinion he's the best coach in the world by a mile and he's one of the nicest people that I've met in football.

“Certainly he's one of the ones that I've had the most fun and laughter working with. That's going to stay there forever.

“At the moment the rules are what they are and you're going to have to adapt to it.

“Probably I would prefer to