Pep Guardiola has turned Manchester City into the Premier League's dominant force in his nine seasons in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Since his move to Manchester at the start of the 2016/17 campaign, Guardiola has clinched an incredible six titles out of nine and the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League crown in 2023.
A third place finish in 2024/25 was City's joint-lowest ebb under Guardiola, as Liverpool claimed their second title up against Guardiola, and Arsenal finished in second place for the third season running.
Alongside the success of City and Liverpool, Guardiola's former assistant Mikel Arteta has gained a reputation as a 'bridesmaid' in the title race despite major spending at the Emirates Stadium.
Last season was the first time the Gunners finished above City under Guardiola's leadership based on an improved record against them.
Despite a perceived closing of the gap by Arteta, City captain Bernardo Silva has fired a reminder to his former coach of their 'nearly-men' reputation, and Liverpool's place as the main rivals.
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"All rivalries are different. Man United are going through a difficult phase for their club over the last years - it's a rivalry because we're in the same city," he told Sky Sports.
"Our biggest rival by far is Liverpool, because they are the guys that always competed with us for titles, they also managed to win titles.
"Then you definitely see a team like Arsenal over the years getting better and better, and starting to fight for those titles, even though they haven't yet reached that level of achieving it.
"Until now, I would say that our big rivals, were always Liverpool."
Pep Guardiola's Man City record vs. Arsenal
Prior to his arrival in Manchester, Guardiola twice knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League against Arsene Wenger, but despite winning twice in Catalonia, he failed to win in North London.
In 18 Premier League clashes with Arsenal, Guardiola has won 13, with just two Arsenal victories, and three draws.
Arsenal's league record against City has improved markedly in recent years - with two wins and two draws in the last two seasons - as Arteta looks to change the narrative surrounding clashes with his friend and mentor Guardiola.
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