“After Watching His Performance Against Newcastle, I Just Can’t Understand Why They’re Benching Him. If Arsenal Don’t Want Him, Let Him Come to Man City, and We’ll Show You the Magic!” – Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola Is Openly Questioning Arteta’s Decision to Sideline a Player Who’s Proven He’s One of Their Best. Whenever City’s Manager Is Asking Questions, You Know Something Isn’t Right at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta Has to Do Something About This Player Real Quick

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lit a fire under Arsenal’s camp with his recent post-match comments that have left the football world buzzing. The former Barcelona boss, who rarely comments on rival club selections, has now publicly questioned the decision-making of his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, over the treatment of one specific player.

In his press conference following City’s match, Guardiola didn’t hold back. With a sharp grin and a hint of frustration, he dropped what many fans are calling “the quote of the weekend” as he referred to Arsenal’s recent performance against Newcastle.

“After watching his performance against Newcastle, I just can’t understand why they’re benching him. If Arsenal don’t want him, let him come to Man City — and we’ll show you the magic!” said Guardiola.

Though he didn’t mention the name, fans and pundits alike are convinced that Guardiola was referring to Emile Smith Rowe — the gifted 24-year-old midfielder who dazzled during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Newcastle but has been struggling to find minutes under Arteta this season.

Smith Rowe’s performance in that match was nothing short of exceptional. He dictated the tempo in midfield, created dangerous chances, and displayed the kind of composure that made him one of Arsenal’s brightest academy graduates. Yet, despite his display, he has often been relegated to the bench or left out of the starting XI altogether this season.

The fact that Guardiola — a coach known for meticulous detail and elite-level squad building — is speaking so highly of Smith Rowe has sent shockwaves through North London. It’s not merely praise; it’s a public critique of Arteta’s squad management.

And this isn’t just a throwaway compliment. When a manager of Guardiola’s stature makes such a statement, it signals deeper footballing truths. It means that talent is being overlooked — talent that could thrive elsewhere, perhaps even under his own wing at the Etihad.

Guardiola’s admiration also exposes a growing tension within the Arsenal fanbase. Many supporters have been vocal about Smith Rowe’s exclusion, especially given the team’s occasional lack of midfield creativity in big matches. The call for Arteta to give Smith Rowe more chances has now been validated — from the most unlikely source.

This raises a much bigger question for Arsenal: can they afford to sideline a player who is admired by one of their biggest Premier League rivals? With transfer windows always looming and Manchester City known for swooping in on unsettled stars, Arteta could be risking more than just squad balance.

Social media has erupted since Guardiola’s comments. Arsenal fans are torn — some defending Arteta’s decisions, while others warn that losing Smith Rowe to City could be one of the biggest regrets of the club’s recent history.

“Why is Pep praising our own player more than our manager does?” one fan tweeted.
“If Guardiola wants him, that should tell you everything you need to know,” posted another.

With no official contact reported between Manchester City and Smith Rowe’s representatives, things remain quiet on the transfer front. But in football, admiration often turns into action — especially when a club like City is involved.

Arteta now faces pressure not only from fans and media but from the indirect critique of one of the greatest managers in the game. If he continues to bench Smith Rowe, he risks losing a player who still has so much to offer — not just for Arsenal, but for English football as a whole.

And if Guardiola’s comments were more than just playful jabs, then Arsenal may have a storm brewing on the horizon. Because when Pep wants a player — history has shown — he usually gets his way.