“Aleks and Gabriel have been amazing!” – Pep Guardiola praises former Manchester City duo ahead of Arsenal FA Cup showdown

Pep Guardiola has praised both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, as Manchester City prepare to meet Arsenal in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Manchester City face Arsenal for the first time since both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus completed summer transfers from the Etihad to the Emirates.

The pair both won four Premier League titles during their time with the Sky Blues, making over 350 appearances between themselves for Pep Guardiola.

Jesus moved to North London for a reported £45 million, while Zinchenko signed for Arsenal as part of a £32 million deal.

Both have played important roles in Mikel Arteta’s bid to win the Premier League title, with the Gunners currently five points clear of City at the top of the table.

Zinchenko could come up against his former club on Friday night, although Jesus remains sidelined with a long-term injury sustained at the FIFA World Cup.

Ahead of Arsenal’s visit to East Manchester, Pep Guardiola was incredibly complimentary of the former City duo, praising their professionalism and describing them as “amazing.”

“Ah! Aleks and Gabriel have been amazing with us, incredible respect as persons and players,” said the Catalan.

“Of course we want to beat them. I’m more than delighted, it’s because the players, both clubs agree with that. Many times Aleks [Zinchenko] maybe could leave and said he wanted to stay. Gabriel [Jesus] the same, we agreed.

“Arsenal wanted him, it happens. It’s going well for them, congratulations. We have to try and be close to them.”

Arsenal’s only recent win against City came in the FA Cup in 2020, with the Blues having an impressive record against the Gunners, winning 12 of the past 13 meetings.

City thrashed Chelsea 4-0 to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, a competition they are bidding to win for the first time since 2019.

Chelsea, who were runners up in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last season, have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions by Manchester City this season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, eased past League One outfit Oxford United to set-up a mouthwatering fourth round clash with the Premier League champions.