Man City can prove Thierry Henry right on Mikel Arteta and end Arsenal era

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Manchester City have moved within six points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League ahead of the two teams meeting this weekend.

Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as "a big punch in the face". Manchester City could deliver a knockout blow this weekend.

The two sides meet in a gladiatorial clash at the Etihad and although City will kick off six points behind, the momentum is with Pep Guardiola's side after following up their Wembley win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final with an FA Cup success against Liverpool and a fine 3-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea.

The Gunners were stunned by Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup and although they beat Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final last week, the 2-1 reverse at home to Bournemouth has let City right back into the title race.

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This Sunday's meeting between the two might not quite be winner-takes-all but it's not far off. Arsenal have seemed champions elect for much of the campaign but are now beginning to feel the pressure. City have moved into ominous April mode and, with a settled XI and no European commitments, look primed for a strong finish.

The Blues might need to be flawless to see off Arsenal and win the title but if they do, it would deliver a psychological blow that would prove very difficult to come back from. Arteta's future would be up for debate and the Gunners would have blown their best chance to end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title. The challenge of rousing themselves for another crack next term would be a significant one.

And even if Arsenal were able to go again, they'll find a City side likely to be better than their current vintage. The Blues are in transition and the prospect of more to come from some of their blossoming young talents should send shivers down the spines of their rivals.

Nico O'Reilly has delivered a coming-of-age season, but is only just 21 and can improve further. Rayan Cherki, 22, has been a breath of fresh air in his debut campaign in English football and his all-round game will surely benefit from a full year in the Premier League. Abdukodir Khusanov, having stepped seamlessly into the breach in recent weeks amid injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones, looks a Rolls Royce in the making but the Uzbekistan international is not yet the finished article. The 22-year-old might be by this time next year.

City have a trophy in the cabinet already this term while Arsenal haven't won any silverware in six years. The Gunners have seemingly been building but as Gunners icon Thierry Henry said last season: 'That building is really tall.'

If City beat them to the Premier League this season the house that Arteta has built could come crashing down.