Arsene Wenger is well aware that achieving positive results against direct title rivals will be the best way of winning this season's Premier League title.

As the Gunners prepare for Monday night's clash with Manchester City, Wenger spoke of the importance of getting the better of Manuel Pellegrini's third-placed side, who sit just a point behind the North Londoners.

"The title will be won by taking points off the bigger teams," Wenger said.

"Maybe more than ever because the championship appears to be very tight. We have played 16 games and the top team (Leicester City) is on 38 points.

"So it means that the Premier League title could be decided at around 80 points.

"Consistency will be the main priority because every week, you are surprised by the results. We have really established a good run so it's important to continue that."