Arsene Wenger admits that while beating Manchester City on Sunday will be a challenge, someone has to stop them.

Wenger realises that winning at the Etihad this weekend is a big ask. Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League and have only drawn once. However, the Frenchman points out that someone has to stop them soon or they’ll run away with the title.

“It’s a big game, a challenging one because they are on a strong run,” Wenger admitted. “But it’s a good opportunity for us to show we have quality. At the moment they’re on a good run and people always extend these runs to the end of the season.

“They have to be stopped it’s true, because if nobody does that they can run away. We still can focus on this game and try to give our best, prepare well and focus.”

If City beat Arsenal, they will be 12 points ahead of them at the top of the table. No matter how optimistic you are, there’s no catching up with that. What’s more, the Gunners could drop down to seventh place despite their reasonably strong October.

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Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger (L) and Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gesture on the touchline during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London on April 23, 2017. (GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Last time Arsenal played City was in the FA Cup in April. No one expected Arsene Wenger’s side to even put up a fight, let alone win 2-1 at Wembley. Therefore, at least we can cling onto the underdog trope and hope the team turn up at the very least.

The Premier League, however, is a different kettle of fish and Pep took four points off Wenger last term. And that was before the Spaniard had really gelled with his new team. This time, it could held horribly.

City v Arsenal kicks off at 14:15 (UK time) on Sunday.