Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he takes a stronger team to Manchester City this weekend.

Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in last season's corresponding fixture at the Etihad Stadium but Wenger is confident his team have improved considerably in the following nine months.

"I would be tempted to say yes that we are better now," he said. "Last year we were in a different position when we went up there, but it was a very close game.

"It is always interesting to go into these big games because you have the championship and then you have the big games. It's always interesting to watch your team.

"I am confident because we have quality, experience and a huge desire to do well together. That has a big impact in big games."