Declan Rice called Arsenal's upcoming trip to the Etihad Stadium "the ultimate test" as the Gunners prepare for a huge fixture in the title race.
Following last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal are just six points clear at the summit, and they have played a game more than second-placed Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's side did regain some momentum during the week, qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League, but they did so via a dull goalless draw against Sporting CP at home, having won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal.
Arsenal have lost their last three matches in domestic competitions, against City in the EFL Cup final, Southampton in the FA Cup, and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
They last lost four consecutively in February and March 2018, and that run included defeats to City in the EFL Cup final and Premier League.
Rice admitted their performances must improve, but he believes Arsenal are ready for a crucial battle against Pep Guardiola's team on Sunday.
"There's no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and you can say tonight [against Sporting] as well," said Rice.
"Recently, we probably have made many more errors than we had done in previous weeks. It's about doing the basics to a better level – just the five, 10-yard passes that we're giving away a bit sloppily.
"The Etihad is the ultimate test – but it's why we play this game. So, bring it on.
"When you're a kid watching games and when you're watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to whether you're going to be ready and how much you want it.
"They've obviously been in really good form recently. No one's going to hand you anything in this league.
"To go there and win would be a massive statement and, look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what's required."
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against City (W2 D3), having lost 12 in a row against them before this.
However, City are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League home games against the Gunners (W7 D3) since a 2-0 loss in January 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.
Yenbnorstz
1
thanks Race keep it up for that spirit we a behind you go the Gunner's haliye
Widbiltz
0
Arsenal are living in a forlorn hope
yeoclmosy
0
no need to talk too much Sunday you guys instead to come out and play you will start becoming afraid and be packing bus until you concede unnecessary goals
Picdikmot
0
we are not after man city, they are the ones chiseling after us, who cares , Rice is talking what he can do, and as a team what they are capable of doing
hiycdensy
0
Rice talks like a pastor in the local church.
resabekpst
1
Ok, try your best arsenal... city will too
That’s what i like someone talking sense. They both want to win though a draw would be a good result for Arsenal.
resabekpst
1
City will have Rice for supper on Sunday time you get in the game it will be over
They may have rice but please note the game is over and eating food after a game has no bearing on the game which you have participated in. How can it affect the result.
resabekpst
1
RICE YOU'RE TALKING TOO MUCH THE SAME AS YOUR ARSENAL FANS. YOU PEOPLE'S BEHAVIOURS ARE THE REASON YOU'RE ALWAYS BOTTLING.
What a ridiculous comment, you can’t realistically say that because someone replies to questions, they will not win the league. Grow up and get a life.
CitizenOfFootball_FC
1
Ok, try your best arsenal... city will too
tazbkosuz
0
City will have Rice for supper on Sunday time you get in the game it will be over
Lehacdnrt
0
RICE YOU'RE TALKING TOO MUCH THE SAME AS YOUR ARSENAL FANS. YOU PEOPLE'S BEHAVIOURS ARE THE REASON YOU'RE ALWAYS BOTTLING.
resabekpst
1
this guy talks too much
He was answering questions and it is ignorant not to reply to them. So get your facts right before being offensive to him.
Bihcdnpsy
0
this guy talks too much