Arsenal recovered to make an unlikely push for Champions League qualification, and missed out after losing two of its last three games.
"I am pretty sure the people see him how he works every day there because I know how he works every day, his commitment about his job," Guardiola said. "All the managers want to have time, time, time to build something. Arsenal give it to him and the rest is the position they have."
For all of Arteta's qualities, Arsenal appears to be a triumph of patience, as much as anything else.
While it has heavily backed its manager in the transfer market, the money has largely been spent on emerging talents such as Ben White, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Faith has also been shown in academy graduates Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Regardless of results, the club's hierarchy has remained focused on a long-term plan that is paying off.
The signings of Jesus and Zinchenko represented a push to move to the next level.ADVERTISEMENT
They were players Arteta knew well from his time at City. They have brought a proven winning mentality to a very young squad.
Crucially, the duo arrived at Emirates Stadium still hungry for success despite winning a host of trophies under Guardiola.
Arteta recognized two players who were often overlooked at City, and offered them a new challenge.
Jesus, in particular, has relished that chance, and established himself as a key figure for Arsenal.
Zinchenko's season has been disrupted by injury, but he has a chance to be a vital piece in the second half of the campaign.
Guardiola did not want to stand in the way of two players who contributed so much to City's success - even if it meant selling to a rival.
Whether he will come to regret that remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, when Arteta left, the feeling at City was he could return to the club one day if he proved a success at Arsenal.
Few could have predicted the impact he has had in north London.
Guardiola, however, is under no doubt that the threat his one-time assistant poses is real.
"We," he said, "have made an incredible season so far, I would say, but they have been better."
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