Pep Guardiola has pinpointed the “special” trait of Arsenal that he believes will make them a tough challenge in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
The Gunners face Guardiola’s Manchester City side at Wembley this weekend as they look to book their place in final on August 1.
Mikel Arteta – who was appointed Arsenal boss after working as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium – is searching for his piece of silverware as a manager, and will also be looking to the cup as a passage to next season’s Europa League.
The Gunners, though, will head into Saturday’s tie as big underdogs, having found themselves comfortably second best in their last meeting against City.
They faced the recently deposed Premier League champions in their first game back upon the restart, and were soundly beaten 3-0 at Eastlands.
Ahead of their latest encounter though, Guardiola has downplayed his side’s tag as heavy favourites, and has been impressed with the job done by his former assistant so far.
“I said before that no semi-final is easy, never,” said Guardiola.
“They are always tight. We lost semi-finals in my first year here, and the players know it will be so tight.
“I have the same opinion of Arsenal and Mikel, my opinion didn’t change when they beat Liverpool or lost to Brighton, not for one second.
“We expect a tough game. They [Arsenal] have something special, team spirit.
“Mikel has created that from outside. They celebrate, they fight, they are creating something special and they are fighting for something special. It will be difficult.
“I’m pretty sure the right person to bring them back is in, when the club support him they have the right man.
“I’ve a feeling he is creating something unique, if they give him what he needs they’ll be a contender in future years.”
