"It’s hard to say which is easier" - Ilkay Gundogan explains two key reasons why Arsenal are different rivals to Manchester City than Liverpool

Ilkay Gundogan has delved into Manchester City's rivalries with Arsenal and Liverpool and how they differ. The German midfielder spoke ahead of City's clash with the Gunners at the Etihad on Sunday (September 22).

Mikel Arteta has transformed Sunday's visitors into title contenders in recent years, the biggest threat to the Cityzens' stranglehold on the Premier League. They finished just two points behind Pep Guardiola's men last season.

Gundogan, 33, highlighted Arteta's previous experience as an assistant to Guardiola when analyzing the reigning champions' two rivalries. He told The Daily Mail:

"It’s a bit different to the Liverpool rivalry. Because of the way the teams play. Arsenal are much more similar to how we play than (Jurgen) Klopp’s Liverpool ever were."

He added:

"Mikel knows this club, the players, the manager very well. He worked with Pep and there is a huge influence with Pep on Mikel. It will also be the same with me if I coach. Pep will be a massive influence on how I want my teams to play."

Arsenal's 1-0 win against Manchester City at the Emirates last season was the first time Arteta secured a victory against Guardiola in the Premier League. The City coach had got the better of his compatriot on six consecutive occasions before that defeat.

Guardiola had a much more difficult time during his rivalry with former Liverpool boss Klopp. The two rivals played out some of English football's all-time classics during the iconic German's reign at Anfield.

Gundogan alluded to this:

"It makes it different to Klopp’s Liverpool. It’s hard to say which is easier but with this new rivalry both clubs know each other really well and will be prepared for each other. Whoever does the small and important things better will be the best. It’s small margins."

He added:

"With Klopp and Liverpool it was such a different game and more intense and there were difficult things that would have a big impact on the game."

Arne Slot replaced Klopp in the summer, and the Dutch coach has implemented his brand of football on Merseyside. He'll test himself against Guardiola on December 1 when Manchester City travel to Anfield.

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"We get the message" - Pep Guardiola on Arsenal becoming Manchester City's latest challengers

Guardiola spoke last season about Arsenal's recent rise into Manchester City's new Premier League title challengers. He applauded Arteta and the team his former assistant has at his disposal:

"Before it was Liverpool who pushed us to our limits. Now it's been [Arsenal] in these last two seasons, especially this one. It's been an incredible season...We get the message, so I know [Arsenal] will be there for many years. Young manager, big talent and a young squad, a young team - they sent us a message [that] we have to be careful for the next years."

Arteta left his role at Manchester City to become the Gunners' manager in December 2019. In his first season, he oversaw an FA Cup triumph and propelled the north Londoners into title contenders.

They last won the Premier League title under Arsene Wenger in 2004. Arteta is eager to end Guardiola's dominance in English football, and that could start with a famous win at the Etihad this weekend.