The legacy and the complication for Pep
But the consecration of the ‘gunners’ did not come as a replica of Guardiola’s tactics. In his early days in London, Arteta tried to have his team play with the possession and high pressing he had seen in City’s training sessions. Over time, however, he found his own stamp: a solid Arsenal in defense, the least scored against in the league, and lethal in the areas. A team that, with virtues and defects, became the most effective of the season.
The outcome has a symbolic flavor. Guardiola without the Premier League for the second consecutive season, in what could be the coach’s last year at the helm of City. Etihad is preparing to bid farewell to him against Aston Villa, on a day without pressure but full of emotion. Pep leaves as a legend, although without the title he lifted so many times.
