Pep Guardiola made a name for himself as the heartbeat of Barcelona over 11 trophy-laden years, while his countryman Mikel Arteta only graced the La Masia grass as a B-team man.
Their paths never crossed, but in the corridors, one going to Johann Cruyff Stadium and the other to Camp Nou.
Then, for three seasons from 2016, the two Spaniards did not only cross paths but appeared together in the same dugout as manager and assistant.
When the team in which Arteta made his name as a midfield conductor came calling for a manager in 2019, he started a period of trading swords with his elder and mentor.
Until last season, there really had never been any jeopardy for Guardiola in their match-ups.
But there is now, and it’s proper danza de guerra.
So, it will be when the two lead their teams out to the Emirates pitch on Sunday at 5.30pm for a game neither can really afford to lose, especially if Liverpool beat their Merseyside rivals the day before.
When these two giants meet, the fight for Spanish supremacy will be on both sides of the whitewash now that Rodri’s Spain national team understudy Martin Zubimendi is a Gunner.
At 29 and 26 years of age, respectively, both City and Arsenal midfield engines are in the prime of their powers.
But anyone who thinks that will determine the destination of the three points at stake is fooling themselves.
Who bags the points will depend on the ruthlessness of Erling Haaland. If the Norwegian, on a hot streak of form, is on his game, City wins this one.
On the other side, Arsenal’s best player so far, Noni Madueke will give the home side a fighting chance.
