Ilkay Gundogan says City will travel to Arsenal aiming to reclaim top spot in the Barclays Premier League by claiming all three points.

City cut the deficit to the leaders to three points with the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday and a win at the Emirates Stadium would see us move to the summit on goal difference.

Gundogan believes the game will be one of the most difficult we’ve faced in recent seasons with Mikel Arteta’s side in outstanding form in the first half of the season.

But that won’t stop City heading to North London with confidence that we can get the result needed to move into top spot, with no thoughts of settling for a draw.

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“Most probably it is going to be one of the toughest games we have played in recent years, against a very strong Arsenal side with a very similar style of play with a great manager and a great team,” the German international said.

“I think we are ready to go on Wednesday. We will travel to London to try to win the game and get the three points, even though we know it is going to be hard, but it is going to be a top game and we will try to get the three points.

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“We are playing against the best side in England so far this season, so it is going to be a top game.

“They are a side that we know very well. We expect football on the highest level and we are all looking forward to it.”

Our win over Villa was the perfect response after defeat to Tottenham the previous weekend, particularly in the first half when Gundogan was on target either side of goals from Rodri and Riyad Mahrez.

And the midfielder says the performance was exactly what was required going into the top-of-the-table clash.

“It was the reaction that we wanted,” he added. “I think we played a great first half, especially after the first goal because scoring that here at the Etihad always helps us.

“From then, it was a great first half performance. I feel like we also dominated most of the second half. Obviously, we didn’t want to concede, but especially after conceding I felt like we managed it quite well and at the end we got the deserved three points.

“It is definitely the performance we needed. Coming from a defeat is always tough, but we know we are strong, especially here at home we are a tough side.

“When we start the game with the right rhythm and we score an early goal, I always feel like we play with intensity and full of confidence.”