“There is still a long way to go…” – Riyad Mahrez delivers Manchester City warning to Arsenal

Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez has issued a warning to current Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth round clash at the Etihad Stadium.

City face the Gunners for the first time in over a year on the Friday evening, with Mikel Arteta’s side travelling to East Manchester looking for just their second win against the Blues under his management.

Arsenal have won just one of the past 13 meetings between the two sides, though have had an unexpectedly impressive start to the campaign, topping the Premier League with 50 points amassed from their first 19 games.

The Blues, who are looking to win the Premier League title for a third successive season, are five points behind the Gunners after an inconsistent return following the FIFA World Cup.

City bounced back from a 2-1 defeat against United with wins over Tottenham and Wolves, results Riyad Mahrez played an important role in.

Attention may be on the FA Cup when City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night, however the Algerian has outlined the importance of a winning result.

“It is a very good trophy, a very good cup. It is a historic cup in this country,” said Mahrez.

“We won it once and it is something that we want to win more. We are going to go for it.

“I think it will be important to win. It is a challenge against a good team who are first in the league at the moment.”

Mahrez was a part of the Manchester City side that won the FA Cup in 2019, beating Watford to complete the historic domestic quadruple.

The 31 year-old has scored five goals in his last five City appearances, and is excited to be fighting against the Gunners for the Premier League title.

“They are the best team in the country at the moment. But they are coming to us on Friday, so let’s see what they can offer,” said the Algerian forward.

“I think they have been really good, but we are used it. Every year we have had a team [pushing us in the League]. It was Liverpool for four or five years and this year it is Arsenal.

“We are going to go for it. They are doing good, but we will see where it takes us both.

“At the moment, they are in front but there is still a long way to go.”

Manchester City are scheduled to travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the Premier League next month, with the Gunners returning to the Etihad in April.