Arteta reveals his master plan for defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed his master plan for Sunday’s Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta expressed his excitement about the opportunity to win a trophy against the team that was the best in Europe last season.

“We’re very excited to play a final and have the opportunity to win a trophy against a team that is the team to beat,” said Arteta. “They were the best team in Europe last season, and we know what the standards are and how we need to win the game, but we’re very excited.”

Arteta emphasized Arsenal’s ambition to compete on all fronts and be the best club possible. He acknowledged that while their performance last year was commendable, it fell short of winning the biggest trophy. Therefore, he believes they must improve and prove themselves by making better decisions, playing better football, and deserving victory.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, issues instructions to his players as Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, issues instructions to his players during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on January 27, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)

“This is what we want, to be on every front fighting for trophies,” Arteta added. “We have to prove that what we did last year was something, but it wasn’t enough to win the biggest trophy. We have to be better.”

The Community Shield match against Manchester City will provide Arsenal with an early opportunity to showcase their progress under Arteta’s leadership. Despite finishing second on the Premier League table last season, they face a formidable opponent in Pep Guardiola’s men who clinched both the league title and FA Cup.

Arteta understands the challenge ahead but remains confident in his team’s abilities. He believes that by striving for improvement every day and making better decisions both on and off the pitch, Arsenal can achieve success.

“We have to be better and that comes every day with trying to be better, making better decisions and playing better,” said Arteta. “And deserving to win the game. In the end, the outcome will come by itself.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal takes on Kyle Walker of Man City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Community Shield match serves as an important opportunity for Arsenal to lay down a marker for the upcoming season. Arteta’s focus on continuous improvement and his desire to compete for trophies on all fronts reflects the club’s ambition.

As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City, Arteta’s master plan revolves around proving themselves against one of the best teams in Europe. The outcome of Sunday’s match will not only determine the winner of the Community Shield but also set the tone for Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware in the 2023 season.