Manchester City vs Arsenal: Nolito admits clash with 'title rivals' will be tough test for Pep Guardiola's side

Up for the test: Nolito expects Arsenal to be challenging opponents
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James Benge16 December 2016

Manchester City forward Nolito admits his much depleted side will face a tough task claiming victory against Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.

Though Wednesday’s win over Watford ended a disappointing start to December for Pep Guardiola’s side, who had won just two of the preceding seven, Manchester City continued to stutter and seem far from the free-flowing side of the early season.

A win over Watford helped City to close the gap on Arsenal to just a point after Arsene Wenger’s side suffered their first loss since the opening weekend, a meek 2-1 defeat against Everton.

But Nolito knows that Arsenal will be eager to prove their worth in a battle against a fellow title contender and one with many tactical and stylistic similartities.

“You always need to win after several games where you didn't get the three points at home,” he told reporters after the Watford win. “It was difficult, but it was important to get the three points and now we think of Arsenal.

'It will be a hard game but I guess Arsenal will come and try to get the three points, as that is their philosophy of football. It is also ours, so we will have to see who gets the points. It's difficult because they are rivals in the title race.”

The 2-0 win over Watford, with goals from Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva, helped ease Guardiola out of the spotlight after two major league defeats in a row, a 3-1 home loss to Chelsea that was followed by a thumping 4-2 reversal to champions Leicester at the King Power.

Nolito started up front for Guardiola’s side in place of the suspended Sergio Aguero at the Etihad in midweek and will battle with Kelechi Iheanacho to retain his place for the visit of the Gunners.

The Spaniard now hopes that the Watford win represents a turning point for City and they can find their best form when Arsenal arrive on Sunday.

“Obviously we are all behind him (Guardiola) and follow what he says,” Noltio added. “The best is yet to come.

“The last few results have also been because we played against other teams who were also very good. It's always tough, and always depends as much on the other team you play.”

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