Arsenal and Manchester City are in a close battle for the Premier League title this season but the north London club's manager, Mikel Arteta, said that will not affect his friendship with his counterpart Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Thursday said he was well aware of Mikel Arteta's quality long before he led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, lauding the north London team for keeping faith in his former assistant.

Manager Mark Hughes is aware of Stoke City's poor record at the Emirates Stadium but the 53-year-old is confident his team would break the duck when they take on Arsenal in Saturday's Premier League match.

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez struck twice before half-time to secure a 2-0 win over West Bromwich and move past Manchester City to the number 3 spot in the English Premier League.

The Reds have historically struggled to win in north London, but Brendan Rodgers is confident that he has found a blueprint for a rare victory.