They may not speak much any more amid the white heat of a Premier League title race but the coaching bond between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta is clear to see.
Given Arteta was Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City for three years before taking the Arsenal job in 2019, the master-apprentice dynamic is clearly established.
Yet as the Gunners lead the Premier League title race by five points entering Wednesday night's blockbuster at the Etihad, it's Arteta's actions that have forced his mentor to evolve.
Arsenal have been outstanding so far this season and even if City do ultimately pip them to the post - and Wednesday will go a long way to deciding the outcome - Arteta is deserving of high praise.