Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accepts the Gunners are not currently contenders for the Premier League title. Wenger's team are still 12 points adrift of Roberto Mancini's City side heading into Christmas, and the Frenchman concedes challenging for a Champions League spot is more realistic than aiming for top spot at present.
"It was important to get back on track at Villa, a place which is always difficult to go to, but it is too early to say we are back in the title race.
"But then we've just had two difficult away games in succession while City have had two home matches they've won."
Wenger added: "If we can get back to within six points of City, then you can start to speak about being title contenders.
"As things stand, we are still in a good race for the top four." Wenger said: "We are out of the title race as things stand because we are very far away from Manchester City.
