Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has explained in detail how Mikel Arteta transformed Arsenal into Premier League title contenders.

The Gunners have been top of the table for most of the season and travel to the Etihad on Wednesday five points clear.

Arteta served as Guardiola’s assistant for over three years before taking the job at the Emirates.

“The development of Arsenal since Mikel took over has been obvious, it’s a reality.

“I’m a trainer, a football trainer. Not a manager. I had the feeling that Mikel changed the structure of the club, the mentality, not just the formations or the build-up on the pitch.

“Lots of decisions, changing lots of players, a lot of support from the hierarchy I assume, and that’s why the success is there.

“He’s brought Arsenal from the position they were back into the top six, now it’s a top eight to fight for the Premier League and it’s only going to get tougher.

“Arsenal were never there [near the title] in last years, far, far away but they were close to the top four last season and now they have taken another step,” Guardiola said.