Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Mikel Arteta can be proud of his start with Arsenal.

Arteta left his job as Guardiola's number two to take over from sacked Arsenal boss Unai Emery in December, and while there have been signs of improvement, that so far hasn't translated into progress in terms of the Gunners' mid-table plight.

But Guardiola says his former protege is "happy" at the Emirates, where the played five seasons and was the skipper for the last two of those.

Following City's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, Guardiola was asked for his thoughts on Arteta's fledgling first spell in management.

The City boss said: “I know he's very happy there.

"Doing a great job. I've seen some of his games. I'm so happy for him."