Pep Guardiola believes his side "have improved a lot" after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa leaves them firmly in the title hunt.
Manchester City lost at Tottenham last weekend - their fourth reverse of the season - with their performance ringing alarm bells. Just seven days on though and they comfortably saw off Villa at the Etihad with Guardiola vocal about the forward strides made by his squad.
The Catalan, who has copped criticism for chopping and changing his team, especially in defence, welcomed back Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte. Kyle Walker, who has faced competition from youngster Rico Lewis, drew individual praise ahead of the crunch clash with Arsenal this week.
Guardiola said on his team: "The way we have been in the training over the last week or 10 days, we have improved a lot. Everyone is so focused. Kyle Walker is back with the way he’s behaving. The same with many players."
He added on their display against Villa: "We did in general a really good game. We could press higher and better, but we adjusted something in the second half. The second half was better than the first one. Unfortunately we concede a goal again from a mistake.
"But in general every set piece we have the feeling that we score and in general it was a really good game and I'm happy for that. The people were behind us and that's why it's important to take this final opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal."
City and Arsenal are yet to play each other in the league this term after their original fixture was postponed. It means they will play twice in the second half of the season, beginning with their Emirates showdown on Wednesday night.
Guardiola has seen his side beat the Gunners recently, owing to a 1-0 win in the FA Cup. Nathan Ake came up with the winner on that occasion, although Arsenal did field a weakened starting XI to begin with, meaning their game in north London will be a different proposition.
A win for City will see them go to the top of the table on goal difference, although Arsenal will have a game in hand. The champions might be without Erling Haaland however as they sweat on an injury scare. "At half-time I spoke to the doctors and they said not to take a risk at 3-0," said Guardiola. "If the result was tighter then maybe I don’t do it. I don’t think he’s too injured but if he’s not ready, or if it’s too much of a risk, he will not play against Arsenal."
