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Ilkay Gundogan says Arsenal will be ready to face Man City after final defeat

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan (second right) in action during the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
Image: Ilkay Gundogan believes Arsenal will be ready to face Man City, so soon after the final

Arsenal are strong enough to pose Manchester City a threat despite being beaten in the Carabao Cup final, says Ilkay Gundogan.

The two sides will meet each other in the Premier League on Thursday evening, live on Sky Sports, just four days after the cup final showdown.

City pulled off a convincing 3-0 victory at Wembley to win the first silverware of the season, and will now look to overcome Arsene Wenger's side again to go 16 points clear at the summit of the Premier League.

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Germany international Gundogan believes, despite City's comfortable win, Arsenal still have the quality to pose a threat.

He said: "We know Arsenal are able to play, they have a strong team. It is going to be challenging and we need to be ready.

"It won't be easy. It is just maybe a bit weird to play them twice in four days."

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25:  Claudio Bravo, and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City celebrate after the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester
Image: City proved too much for Arsenal and took the first silverware of the season

The close proximity of Thursday's game meant City had little time to celebrate their success at the weekend.

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City's busy schedule then continues with a home game against Chelsea on Sunday and the second leg of their Champions League tie against Basel the week after.

Gundogan said: "There are still plenty of huge games to play and the next one is on Thursday against the same opponent. It doesn't stop.

"There is not really a break to relax or enjoy. Now we try to prepare for the game on Thursday and try to get another win."

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