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Mikel Who? Pep Guardiola praises calming influence of new assistant Juanma Lillo ahead of reunion with Arsenal manager and old No 2 Arteta

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to his new assistant Juanma Lillo for making him a calmer manager this season as Manchester City put their remarkable 17-match winning streak up against former No2, Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

Guardiola turned to his old friend Lillo last summer as he sought a replacement for his long-time deputy, Arteta.

Following City’s Champions League exit against Lyon, there were fears their legendary boss had lost his Mojo but he and the team have bounced back from an indifferent start to currently lead the table by 10 points

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces his former assistant Mikel Arteta on Sunday

The Catalan has been delighted by the impact of Arteta's replacement,u00a0Juanma Lillo, at City

The Catalan has been delighted by the impact of Arteta's replacement, Juanma Lillo, at City

City are beginning to run away with the league, sitting 10 points clear in the Premier League

Lillo has played an understated but important role in the revival despite his limited English restricting interaction with some of the City players during matches.