During his pre-Manchester City presser, Arsene Wenger spoke about how much he respects Pep Guardiola ahead of the match on Sunday.

• Guardiola reportedly wanted Arsenal move before he went to Bayern
• Manchester City are currently third in the Premier League
• City have scored 54 goals this season; Arsenal have scored 56

During his presser on Thursday morning, Wenger spoke about the criticism Pep’s faced since moving to Manchester in the summer compared to his own this season.

“I don’t know about in a local context over in Manchester. I don’t know what’s being said or written over there but I personally respect him hugely as a manager and I think he’s had an exceptional career,” Wenger said.

“It’s normal as well – it’s his first season.”

Wenger added with a chuckle, “Don’t worry, once he’s been at Manchester City for 20 years, he’ll get the same treatment (as me).”

It’s not been an easy ride for the former Barcelona and Bayern boss with City suffering defeats at the hands of Everton (4-0), Liverpool (1-0), Leicester (4-2), Chelsea (3-1) and Spurs (2-0) in the league this season.

They’re currently in third, ahead of Arsenal in sixth by seven points.

After winning 2-1 against the Gunners at the Etihad earlier in the season, the ball will be in Arsenal’s court to exact revenge. However, the Emirates hasn’t exactly proven to be a fortress recently and the stage is set for Pep’s City side to potentially run rampant.