Mikel Arteta has ‘sympathy’ for Pep Guardiola over City’s poor run of results

• ‘Every defeat is obviously super-painful’
• Arsenal’s Gabriel a fitness doubt for game at West Ham

Mikel Arteta has said he feels sympathy for Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s poor run of results but said dealing with setbacks is part of being a manager.

City will attempt to record a first win in seven matches when they face the leaders, Liverpool, on Sunday, with Arsenal having the opportunity to close their deficit to Arne Slot’s side to six points at West Ham 24 hours earlier, after impressive wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting this week. Arteta expressed concern for Guardiola’s wellbeing after City surrendered a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in midweek but said he expected their rivals to rediscover their form after such a sustained period of success.