Mikel Arteta plays down Pep Guardiola tiff talk amid post-Manchester City v Arsenal tension

Mikel Arteta says he loves, respects and admires Pep Guardiola in a clear move to defuse escalating tensions with his one-time mentor.

Guardiola told Arteta's Arsenal to prepare for war amid the fallout from last weekend's heated draw with Manchester City and the Gunners responded with a last-gasp 4-2 victory against Leicester at the Emirates.

Speaking on the eve of Saturday's fixture, Guardiola also urged his former City colleague to explain why he claimed he had "all the information" about the champions following his four-year spell there.

Addressing Guardiola's remarks, Arteta said: "I can repeat it, very clear. I love Pep. I admire him. And I have admired him since I was 10 years old.

"I respect him profoundly. I am so grateful for everything he did for me and continues to do with me. I consider him a friend.

"When I say that 'I know him', it is that I know how hard he works. I have not seen a human being who has worked as hard as Pep and the coaches and everybody at that football club to be consistently winning. And the reason they are there is because they maintain that hunger and this is what I have learned.

"I cannot be any more clearer than that. If you want, I can repeat it. But if someone wants to damage our relationship that is not in my hands. The feeling is profound, he knows it and the staff know it.

"Sport has to be about a will to win. They have it, I have it, we have it for sure. They have had incredible achievements because they have that mentality. Hopefully that is clear."

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard appeared to have sent Arsenal on course for a comfortable win against the Foxes.

But James Justin's deflected header and brilliant volley after the interval, combined with an inspired Mads Hermansen