City have not lost at the Etihad Stadium in any competition since November 2022, a run that stretches 38 games.
We’re currently third in the Premier League with 63 points but a victory over Mikel Arteta’s side this weekend will see us climb above the Gunners and potentially to top spot, depending on Liverpool’s result against Brighton.
Our England international feels a positive result is vital if we’re to lift a record fourth successive title in May.
City v Arsenal | Match preview
However, he was also keen to stress that playing on familiar territory could be an important factor.
“We have to win. We are behind them at the moment,” he said.
“We know it is going to be a tough game, but I just feel that when teams come to the Etihad, I feel like we always make it difficult for them.
“I don’t think we’ve lost at the Etihad for about 16 months or something. It is a game that we are looking forward to and you want to play in. I am looking forward to it.”
We were also in a title race with Arsenal last season, with the North London club leading for much of the campaign before we took control as the finishing line approached.
In the end, we sealed the league with three games to spare.
However, Grealish says that experience – plus the addition of a couple of star names last summer – could help our opponents this term.
“Obviously, they have added Declan [Rice] and [Kai] Havertz who are both playing really well at the moment,” he said.
“They might have a bit more experience than last season.
“In both this season and last season, they have had a young side and last season was their first real time in a title race, so this year they might have a bit more experience.
“I think it is all about us at the moment and if we go out there and win the game then it puts us in a great position.”
Last year’s Premier League title was part of an historic Treble that also included the FA Cup and Champions League.
With around two months of the season to go, we’re in the running for all three trophies again this time around.
However, Grealish insists that no-one at City is looking beyond the next assignment.
“Us as a team and as a club, we are just taking it one game at a time at the moment,” he stated.
“I know that is what everyone says, but we genuinely are. It was the same last year. We weren’t really looking at it thinking ‘can we go and do the Treble?’.
“It was more like let’s take it one game at a time in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League finals at the end. We’re just taking each game as it comes.
“We certainly have the talent, the desire and the team to go and do it. We have the best manager in the world. Fingers crossed we can have a successful last few months of the season.”
City v Arsenal app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow every action from the big game.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 14:30 (UK).
We will special guests on the broadcast, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will be available from midnight.
