Granti Xhaka insists Premier League leaders Arsenal are there to stay.

Xhaka says he is not surprised by Arsenal's success this season and he believes his side can push Manchester City all the way for the title.

In an interview with the Evening Standard he said: “I am not surprised, because in pre-season I had a good feeling at how everything was working.

“The team spirit we built then was something I didn't have at this club until now. I knew this season could be a special one for everyone, for ourselves, for the club.

“We have a lot of respect for Man City because they [have been] doing this for many, many years, winning trophies, buying big players.

“But this is our challenge. It is a nice challenge to compete with one of the best teams in Europe. Let's see how far we can challenge them, but as well ourselves."