UNFAZED GUNNERS CAN TAKE THE MIK

MIKEL MERINO is relishing Arsenal's newfound confidence ahead of their clash with Manchester City.

- BY TOM CANTON

Arsenal take on their title rivals this afternoon, looking to sting Pep Guardiola with a third defeat in his first five matches of the new Premier League season.

And for the first time since City's rise to the dominant side they have become, Arsenal arguably have a deeper squad of quality than their modern-day rivals.

Huge spending in the summer, and across the last few years, has equipped Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with a side ready for a challenge across all fronts - and the players know it too.

"It's great, it's amazing," Merino said.

"Not only in every game, everyone that comes in does a great job, but also in training sessions, everybody's pushing each other, so the level is high.