Per Mertesacker: 'Arsenal are in better shape'

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has insisted that the team is in "better shape" this season ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester City.

The Gunners go into the match at the Etihad Stadium on the back of three consecutive wins in both the league and Europe.

"We are convinced that we can stay in the league, at the top, and that's our target for Sunday," Mertesacker told the club's official website.

"Last year we lost at Man City. It was a very tight game so we will try to do better this time.

"I feel like we are in a better shape than last year, because we are now in a good shape from the beginning [of the season]. I think we are well prepared now."

Arsenal are currently third in the Premier League table, ahead of fourth-placed Manchester City on goal difference.