Mikel Arteta seems to be taking a page out of his mentor Pep Guardiola’s playbook.

After Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Chelsea, Arteta expressed “sympathy” for Mauricio Pochettino in a post-match interview, but we all know he doesn’t mean a word of it.

Mikel Arteta delivered a classic Pep Guardiola-esque comment after Arsenal’s 5-0 annihilation of Chelsea.

Expressing “sympathy” for Mauricio Pochettino and his struggles he was able to highlight Arsenal’s overwhelming dominance without boasting, while also getting a polite, but pointed, dig in at Chelsea.

The Guardiola influence

Arteta’s time as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City clearly left many marks. After the Chelsea game, which saw Arsenal win by a club-record 5-0, his post-match comments mirrored the patronising tone Guardiola often uses after dismantling opponents.

“All the sympathy in the world, all he’s been through,” Arteta said when asked about the Chelsea manager. “I’ve been on the other side as well. He’s doing a great job. Their last seven games, they’ve deserved to win every match.” In other words, we’re sorry you were unable to do anything to stop my team destroying yours.

Arsenal’s masterclass backs up Arteta’s dig

While Arteta’s comment might seem arrogant to the joyless, Arsenal’s performance on the pitch backs it up. Kai Havertz’s revenge goals and Martin Odegaard’s midfield masterclass are proof of Arsenal’s tactical superiority as much as the other three goals they scored without reply.

The North London Derby looms

This win now sets the stage for an even more intense North London Derby.

Expect Arsenal to approach the game with the same relentless energy and tactical confidence they displayed against Chelsea, whom they sit 30 points above.