"If we are honest..." - Arsenal star makes Man City claim ahead of massive Premier League clash

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has insisted the club are focussing on themselves as they prepare for a huge clash against title rivals Manchester City.

The Gunners are currently three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. But they could be overtaken on Wednesday when they face Pep Guardiola's men at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta looked to be in a commanding position heading into the weekend. However, their lead at the top was cut by two following a 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Meanwhile, Manchester City reeled away comfortable 3-1 winners over Aston Villa.

Arsenal could, and perhaps should have been eight points clear by now, following wins over both Tottenham and Manchester United in January.

But a 1-0 defeat to Everton has stunted their progress, and has seen them suffer a dip in results.

Xhaka urges Arsenal to 'focus on themselves'

Although Switzerland international Granit Xhaka, who has been a revelation this season, has insisted they are "not speaking about" Manchester City as the title race hots up.

“If we are honest, we are not speaking about them,” he said. “We are looking at ourselves, game by game. We didn’t win [on Saturday], we took one point. And Wednesday is big - for them, for us. So, let’s see.”

Arsenal looked destined to claim all three points at the Emirates after Leandro Trossard tapped home Bukayo Saka's cross from close range.

However, the Bees were quick to respond through Ivan Toney, who levelled the scores under 10 minutes later in controversial fashion.

VAR has come under fire for their decision to not rule Ethan Pinnock offside in the build-up to the goal, leaving Xhaka and co exasperated.

The Premier League’s referee chief has since apologised for VAR's 'human errors' which led to the awarding of the goal.

“We are disappointed because what we hear is that the blocker was offside, where we have got our player,” Xhaka continued. “I don’t know why they change the rules weekend by weekend.

“But it’s the referee’s decision not to give the offside, our decision to mark the players, the runners. We didn’t do it and you concede a goal like this."

Topics: Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Mikel Arteta, Brentford, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, VAR

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno