GUNNARSSON READY FOR LEAGUE LEADERS

Midfielder Aron Gunnarsson has called on the togetherness of the City squad to guide them into tomorrow’s clash with league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League table last weekend with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United, with the Bluebirds drawing 2-2 with Sunderland at Cardiff City Stadium.

But despite the obvious challenge a trip to the Emirates brings, it’s one Gunnarsson and the City squad are looking forward to in their first match of 2014.

“We know what they are capable of being at the top of the table,” said the Icelandic International. “It's going to be a great experience to go to the Emirates and face the league leaders.

“They are all world class players with Arsenal. You don't expect anything else from the league leaders. Going away to their place, they'll obviously be up for it but we need points as well. 

“Everyone will be up for it, they'll want to extend their lead and we want the three points as well. We certainly won't be giving them anything. We'll be going for it.”

As for last weekend’s disappointment of seeing a two goal lead slip in the final moments to the Black Cats - it’s one now firmly put behind the City squad as the focus quickly turned to tomorrow’s clash with Arsene Wenger’s side. 

“You never want to concede a late equaliser like we did,” explained Gunnarsson. “We have to learn from it, but we stick together and move on. 

“We're all professionals and we're known for our togetherness. When we lose a game we bounce back, we always have done. We are trying to focus on ourselves and do better on the pitch which is our main focus.

“You never want to concede that late. We've been there before and we know how to deal with them. We move on from it and focus on the next game. 

“We have to learn from it and kill the game off and try and claim the three points. We dealt with it after the game and turned our focus fully to the Emirates Stadium.

“First half we played very well. We've got a great bunch of lads and we have to stick together and pull forwards as one and try to get some positive results. That's what it's about.”