Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed how Mikel Arteta played an understated but crucial role in shaping the club’s attacking edge during in recent years.
The Brazilian, who departed the Etihad Stadium after an era filled with silverware, offered a rare first-hand account of Arteta’s contribution behind the scenes — particularly his work with forwards — at a time when City were redefining dominance in English football.
Between 2016 and 2019, Arteta operated as Guardiola’s right-hand man, a period widely regarded as transformative for Manchester City.
The club not only swept aside domestic competition but also rewrote record books on their way to multiple trophies, including an unprecedented domestic clean sweep.
While Guardiola’s philosophy often took centre stage, those within the camp have long acknowledged the Spaniard’s assistant as a driving force in player development.
Ederson, who worked closely with both coaches during that time, is among the few voices able to describe that influence in detail.
Now playing his football in Turkey, the goalkeeper reflected on how Arteta’s methods extended far beyond tactical discussions, touching directly on the technical growth of City’s attacking players.
Hands-on approach left lasting impact
According to Ederson, Arteta’s involvement on the training pitch was both intense and highly practical — especially when it came to improving finishing.
“It was very good. [Mikel] Arteta is a very intelligent guy, he’s young. He has a lot of potential to be a great coach,” he exclusively told Flashscore
The Brazilian went further, highlighting how Arteta often stepped in personally during sessions, ensuring drills remained competitive and purposeful even when squad numbers were reduced.
“At [Manchester] City he helped the strikers a lot, he did a lot of work on finishing and in training, when a player was missing – either through injury or as a substitute – he always played and, well, he played his socks off.”
Arteta’s willingness to actively participate in sessions — rather than observe from the sidelines — appears to have strengthened both the intensity and effectiveness of training routines.
Players such as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were among those who saw notable improvements in front of goal during that period, developments often attributed in part to the coaching structure around Guardiola.
Pep and Arteta battle in Premier League title race
Arteta’s influence is now being felt from the opposite dugout. As manager of Arsenal, he has transformed the North London side into genuine title contenders — and, this season, Manchester City’s most significant obstacle.
The timing of Ederson’s remarks is notable, arriving just as the two sides prepare to face off in a decisive part of the campaign.
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With City chasing and Arsenal holding the advantage, the psychological dimension of the contest is intensifying.
City’s current attack, led by Erling Haaland, continues to embody the ruthless efficiency that became a hallmark of Guardiola’s reign. Yet the foundations of that cutting edge, as Ederson suggests, were partly laid by the very man now aiming to stop them.
Before their highly anticipated meeting with Arsenal, City must first navigate a league encounter against a Chelsea side led by Liam Rosenior. However, it is the looming clash with Arteta’s team that carries the greatest significance in the title race.
Trailing by nine points, albeit with a game in hand, Manchester City face a defining stretch in their pursuit of another Premier League crown.
For Arteta, the occasion presents a unique narrative — a chance to outmaneuver the club where he once helped build a winning machine.
