‘I know Pep is suffering’
MIKEL ARTETA insists he is not thinking about profiting from Manchester City’s European ban — even though it could help Arsenal’s unlikely push for a Champions League return. City were last week banned from continental competitions for two seasons over breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations. Though they have vowed to fight the ruling, the sanctions could open the door to those chasing a spot in the top four. Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant for three-and-a-half years before returning to Arsenal, who moved to within seven points of fourth-placed Chelsea with a 4-0 win over Newcastle yesterday. ‘I don’t think about it,’ Arteta said about potentially benefiting from City’s ban. ‘My first reaction was shock. I got in contact with Pep and the people at the club I know because I know they are suffering,’ he added. ‘The admiration and love I have for Pep, his staff and the players, I just want the best for them. I know how hard they work and hopefully a positive thing might come for them.’ Despite victory over Newcastle, Arsenal remain 10th in the Premier League. But Arteta suggested the events of recent days have shifted the landscape in the race for the top four. ‘A week ago, everything looked like it was too far and it was going to take an incredible run to do it. Today, it feels a little bit closer,’ he said. ‘(Improved) performances are going to lead to much better results and if that is the case, we will be in the mix in the last few games of the season.’