**_Sky Sports_ pundit Gary Neville says Man City can make a statement by securing a win against Arsenal on Sunday.**
Despite beating Manchester United in the derby, Pep Guardiola’s side will head into the game at the Emirates this weekend as underdogs and Neville claims they need to get the three points to demonstrate they are genuine title contenders:
“I think it’s a tougher game for City than it is for Arsenal. But for City, if you really want to let people know that you’re back in the title race, and you really want to shake it up, then go and win.”
“Go and win at the Emirates next Sunday because that will sort of shake things up and rock things a little bit.”
It’s a massive match for City
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Having lost two of their first three league fixtures, the derby win was crucial for getting back on track but Guardiola knows that his team need to back that up.
After facing Serie A champions Napoli in the Champions League, the trip to Arsenal will end a hugely important week in the season.
As Neville says, coming away from the Emirates with a victory would be a massive confidence boost and it will increase belief that this team can compete for the title.
The latest Man City injury news
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Guardiola will be without Rayan Ait-Nouri [**until the next international break**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-injury-news-rayan-ait-nouri/), with the defender having sustained an ankle injury.
John Stones (muscular) and Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) are hoping to be back available soon, while Omar Marmoush (knee) is still at least a couple of weeks away from making his return.
Rayan Cherki’s comeback is pencilled in for the beginning of November, while there is no clear return date for the likes of Marcus Bettinelli (knock) and Kalvin Phillips (Achilles).
[**Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://mancitynews.com/manchester-city-first-team-squad/)