Jack Grealish claims Arsenal have improved in one key area ahead of Manchester City clash

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Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in a monumental Premier League clash in the title race on Sunday.

When both teams were in a similar position last season, Arsenal were thrashed 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium, and are winless there in nine years.

However, Arsenal are now better equipped for the title run-in and are perhaps better prepared than they were when going to face Man City last season.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Manchester with Rob Holding in place of William Saliba, and came on the back of three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton.

Man City star Jack Grealish has now explained how Arsenal have improved since the clash last April, and highlighted two key players who have made a difference.

Jack Grealish praises Declan Rice and Kai Havertz ahead of Man City vs Arsenal

Speaking to Man City club media, Grealish praised Arsenal summer signings Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, whilst also pointing out how the Gunners have more experience than they did last season.

“Obviously, they have added Declan [Rice] and [Kai] Havertz who are both playing really well at the moment,” he stated.

“They might have a bit more experience than last season.

“In both this season and last season, they have had a young side and last season was their first real time in a title race, so this year they might have a bit more experience.

“I think it is all about us at the moment and if we go out there and win the game then it puts us in a great position.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height

Arsenal are more prepared for Man City trip than they were last season

The signings of Rice and Havertz have both helped Arsenal unlock a new edge this season. Rice brings lots of physicality to the midfield, and has excelled both going forward and defensively.

Havertz took time to settle, but has recently flourished as a centre-forward, and this could be particularly useful for Arteta at the Etihad.

Last season Arsenal were dominated physically in midfield, with Kevin de Bruyne scoring early on after finding space in behind Holding with ease.

Saliba’s presence will make a huge difference, whilst Rice will add extra ferocity to the midfield battle.

If Arsenal do struggle to play around Man City’s press, then unlike last season, David Raya can pinpoint Havertz with long passes, and the German can act like a target man to help progress the ball up the pitch.

These players, who were not around for the clash last season, now give Arsenal a greater chance of a first win at the Etihad since 2015.