Arsene Wenger is confident that Arsenal are mature enough to rectify past record against top-four rivals as they travel to face Manchester City.
Arsenal have only claimed one point from possible 21 in Manchester and have won only one away game against Manchester City in seven attempts.
But Arsene Wenger is positive and insists that past records will not affect his sidea s performance as they face Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday. The manager is confident that Arsenal can secure a positive result in this tough match.
a You have many games when you know you will be judged on your potential,a he said. a Manchester City is one of them. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are other games that people have a close eye on to judge your potential.
a They have always had good teams but we have won at Manchester United, we have won at Manchester City. The history will not play a big part in this game. Ita s the performance of the day that will play the biggest part and the only important part.
a I believe we have consistency. Last year, we did not win the championship only for that reason. We did not perform in the top games away from home. I believe we have the potential now to be much more stable and to show that we can do it.
a For many years [our record in the biggest games] was our strength and in the last two years it is true that it has been a weakness. I think we are mature enough now to rectify it.a
Wenger is not shy to accept that Manchester City will pose a major attacking threat on Sunday, but also has faith in his sidea s quality and ability to deal with the opposition. The Frenchman said that it is important for Arsenal to maintain a balance between attacking and defending to overcome City.
a From every big game you gain confidence when the result is good,a he said. a Leta s focus on going there and give ourselves a chance to win by putting a great performance in.
a We want to have a good balance between attacking and defending because we know that City attack very well, so ita s important that we do both sides of the game very well.a
Arsenal go into the game to enhance their chances of enter the top four of the Premier League. The Gunners are placed fifth in the table, a point behind third placed Manchester United. Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to cut down the gap with league leaders Chelsea. City are second in the table, two points behind Chelsea.