Manchester City and Arsenal meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with the match also serving as a tactical duel between managers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. The former mentor and apprentice will pit their wits against each other for major silverware.
Guardiola, 55, is one of football's most decorated managers with 39 trophies, including 18 at City since 2016. Arteta, 43, spent three years as Guardiola's assistant before taking over at Arsenal in 2019, winning the FA Cup in his first season but still seeking his second trophy. Guardiola has won eight of their 15 meetings, but Arsenal are unbeaten in the last six, with three wins (including the 2023 Community Shield on penalties) and three draws.
Guardiola's philosophy of possession, fluid attacks, and pressing remains influential, while Arteta has diverged with a more direct style and strength at set-pieces. Key battles include Erling Haaland against Arsenal's centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel, Bukayo Saka testing City's defence, and the midfield duel between Rodri and Declan Rice.
With both clubs also competing for the Premier League title, the final carries extra significance. Arsenal lead the league by nine points, and a win would boost Arteta's credentials. For Guardiola, lifting the trophy would show City can still challenge on multiple fronts and provide a psychological edge in the title race.
