Pep Guardiola has issued a warning to his Manchester City players.
The Sky Blues, who demolished locals rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, are currently the only Premier League side with an unbeaten record so far this season.
Despite draws to Newcastle United and Aston Villa, Manchester City have been in scintillating form, particularly at home - scoring 20 goals league goals at the Etihad Stadium.
Advert
Summer signing Erling Haaland and boyhood Blue Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks against United last Sunday, as City ended Erik ten Hag's winning streak with a 6-3 thrashing.
Haaland has scored three consecutive hat-tricks at home in the Premier League, taking home the match-ball after wins against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
City are also cruising in the UEFA Champions League, with the Blues having the opportunity to secure knockout stage qualification on Tuesday night against FC Copenhagen.
Advert
Given the Blues' start to the season, many are hotly tipping Guardiola's side to once again retain their Premier League crown.
City are looking to win a hat-trick of league titles, after pipping Liverpool to the trophy on the final day of last season.
The Sky Blues will have the opportunity to move to the top of the table with a win over Southampton on Saturday, though manager Pep Guardiola was quick to remind his players about the stiff competition posed by current league leaders Arsenal.
"I tell the players offensively and defensively what is going to happen. Our attack has to play differently our defence has to play differently. The secret is that we have top players. I see us quite similar to last season. We have a guy up front who can unlock the game," said the City manager.
Advert
"Every few years we are a little bit better.
"In the Champions League we are in a dream position.
"We cannot forget that one team has been better than us. Arsenal have been better than us."
Advert
Mikel Arteta's side are one point ahead of the Blues, with former City stars Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko having hugely aided the Gunners.
The North London side have won seven of their opening eight matches, though did suffer defeat to Manchester United last month.
City welcome Southampton to the Etihad on Saturday, while Arsenal face Liverpool on Sunday.
Advert
Manchester City's highly anticipated clash at The Emirates, which was scheduled to be played this month, has been postponed due to Arsenal needing to fulfill a fixture in the UEFA Europa League.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Arsenal, Premier League
Harry Winters