Sunday 5 November 2017 12:49, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged his players to seize the opportunity to show they can compete with Manchester City on Super Sunday.
Wenger's men sit bottom of the big six mini league - matches between the top teams under their current managers - and were humbled 4-0 at Liverpool in August.
But, following a string of victories on home turf, the Frenchman is keen for his side to make a statement against City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
"We have an opportunity to show we can do well against a big team away from home," he said. "It is one we want to take and I'm sure everyone in our camp will be focused on that.
"They are good, I don't want to take anything away from Manchester City at the moment, they are doing extremely well, they are top of the league and top of the European group stage.
"As well it is a good opportunity for us to show we can compete with them and that is what we want to show."
City head into the game on the back of Wednesday's impressive 4-2 Champions League triumph at Serie A pace-setters Napoli, while the Gunners qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday with a goalless home draw against Red Star Belgrade.
Aaron Ramsey could have a key role to play at the Etihad Stadium, and Wenger believes the midfielder is thriving in his new central role.
"I think he is calmer in the final third," Wenger said. "He always had many opportunities but rushed his decisions or execution sometimes.
"But, especially when you look at the goal against Swansea (2-1 win last weekend), a few years ago he would not have that chance in the same composed way. He is more mature, he is 27 now and that is important stage for a midfielder."
