Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on upcoming opponents Manchester City.
The table topping Gunners take on the Premier League champions as they aim to hold onto their lead in the league.
Arteta knows the game at home on Wednesday is one they cannot afford to lose, and admits City will be tough to play.
On City's biggest threat, he stated in a press conference: They as a team. What they have done in the last six years, they absolutely merit it - on the pitch and the way they play, the way they have competed and how they have gone through difficulties. For us, the challenge is to get to that level and we need to use that challenge and that energy to say 'this is where we want to be.' That is the level, and we are heading towards it."
On never having beaten City boss Pep Guaridola, he added: It's for the team, the club and where we are. For me personally, it is not about beating one manager, it is about beating the next opponent, and in this case, it is Man City."
He then finished on City's style: I hope so [their style will suit Arsenal], obviously they have totally different qualities and game styles, but every team faces difficult challenges."