Arsenal will challenge City despite League Cup defeat, says Gundogan

LONDON: Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is expecting a tough challenge when they face Arsenal in the Premier League tomorrow despite their comfortable win over the north London outfit in the League Cup final last Sunday.

City cruised to a 3-0 win at Wembley to secure their first title under manager Pep Guardiola and the league leaders have the chance to re-establish their 16-point gap atop the standings when they travel to the Emirates.

“We know Arsenal are able to play, they have a strong team. It is going to be challenging and we need to be ready,” Gundogan told British media.

“It won’t be easy. It is just maybe a bit weird to play them twice in four days.”

After travelling to sixthplaced Arsenal, City host champions Chelsea in the league on Sunday.

“There are still plenty of huge games to play and the next one is on Thursday against the same opponent. It doesn’t stop,” the German added. “There is not really a break to relax or enjoy. Now we try to prepare for the game on Thursday and try to get another win.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on the club’s manager Arsene Wenger, saying he could not make a case for the Frenchman to extend his reign beyond this season.

Arsenal lie 27 points behind leaders City in sixth position and were beaten in the League Cup final, leaving the Europa League as their only realistic trophy target following an early FA Cup exit.

Wright, who played 213 games in seven years at Arsenal, says the club were stagnating well before the League Cup final drubbing.

“There are excuses (from Wenger) and he is mollycoddling a team,” Wright told the BBC.

“Whether he stays at the end of this season, I could not make a case. I am not sure anyone can. This development of mediocrity has to be arrested.”

Arsenal last won the league title in 2004 and have not won the Champions League during Wenger’s 22-year reign with the FA Cup the club’s only silverware in recent years.

Wright, who retired in 2000, believes Arsenal should change managers as soon as possible as it will take the club years to regain their status as one of Europe’s elite competitors.

“I want Arsenal to challenge again, for them to sign players who will get you excited. I want someone in the boardroom who will lay it down ...,” Wright added.

“How long would it take Arsenal to get back? It will take them a few years. Everyone is progressing and moving forward in that top five.”