Arsene Wenger says Arsenal must look to attack Manchester City in Sunday’s game at the Etihad Stadium.
Third-placed Arsenal are six points behind leaders Chelsea after losing at Everton in midweek.
Next up they face Pep Guardiola’s City side, who are one place and one point below them in the table.
City have plenty of quality going forward but have looked vulnerable at the back at times this season and Gunners boss Wenger has indicated that his team will look to put them under pressure.
Asked at a press conference on Friday what he felt the key to beating City is, Wenger said: “To defend well together and not be timid every time you get the ball and to have a go and try to attack, because that’s part of our philosophy. That’s what you have to do.
“But as well you must not forget that City is very strong going forward – maybe even more now with Guardiola – so certainly we have to focus and defend well.”
Meanwhile, Wenger revealed that striker Danny Welbeck is edging closer to a return from a long-term knee injury.
“Danny Welbeck is one week away from completing normal training to be back in the squad,” Wenger said.
“But of course it will take some time because he has not played for a long time.”
Aaron Ramsey, who has a hamstring problem, will not be ready to return at City but could be in contention for the Boxing Day match against West Brom.