Mikel Arteta served as Pep Guardiola's deputy at Man City. Now at Arsenal, where his methods have clearly taken hold, is he on his way to outstripping his mentor?
Is it as simple as Pep Guardiola overthinking his tactics for a big game again? It goes beyond that, but there's been a recurring pattern during his time on the Man City bench, and a loss to Lyon is the latest evidence.
Pep Guardiola likes to play a certain way, and he needs more of the talent capable of carrying that out if he's to avoid another season that includes some sensational highs but a significant number of setbacks.
Manchester City can plan to move forward after having its ban from European competition overturned, and another spending spree for some significant and specific reinforcements should be expected.