Victory over Manchester City on Sunday will be a boost for Arsenal's Premier League title hopes, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday. Arsenal lost the title to City last season by two points. The holders currently sit fourth in the league standings with 41 points and second-placed Arsenal,

Pep Guardiola has denied that a rift has developed in his relationship with Mikel Arteta despite a number of bruising encounters between his Manchester City team and Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City ’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match. The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.