Mikel Arteta threatens to 'kill' Arsenal players if they can't handle Man City

Mikel Arteta warned his Arsenal players he will be ready to 'kill' them if they crack under the pressure of facing Manchester City.

Wednesday's massive game could decide who eventually claims the Premier League title in May as whoever emerges victorious will have the advantage going into the final games of the season. Table-topping Arsenal are five points clear at present but have drawn their last three matches, including against bottom-side Southampton, to leave the door open for City.

The Blues can shrink the gap to just two points if they win at the Etihad and as they have two games in hand on the Gunners they will be clear favourites to lift the title for a third successive year. The importance of the fixture isn't lost on anyone, especially Arsenal boss Arteta who has made the punishment for his players if they fail to perform clear.

Also read: Every word from Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal clash

When asked if there is any concern of his side being inhibited by City, the Spaniard replied: “No. And if they do, I will just say: ‘I will kill them.’ And I don’t want that at all."

Arsenal have lost all their momentum after throwing away two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham and having to fight back from 3-1 down to draw with Southampton but Arteta believes his side will be looking forward to such a massive showdown.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a tough night and challenge but the opportunity is incredible for us," Arteta said. "We knew from the beginning, if you want to win a Premier League, you have to go to Spurs and beat them. You have to go to Chelsea and you have to beat them.

“You have to go away from home and win. This is what we’ve been doing. This is why we’re here. Now you have to go to City and you have