Mertesacker: City trip tests Arsenal top-four claims

Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City this weekend will be a "big test" of their top-four credentials.

Mounting injury problems have weakened the Gunners ahead of tomorrow’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.

It is a match Arsene Wenger’s side approach fresh from a 3-0 home win against Stoke — a return to winning ways several of the north London club’s players celebrated when the NBA returned to London on Wednesday evening. Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Flamini were amongst the Arsenal contingent at the O2 Arena, where the New York Knicks were demolished 95-79 by the Milwaukee Bucks.