Arsene Wenger says his side is now ready to win big games in the English Premier League.
The Gunners suffered a number of heavy defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton last season but the manager believes results could be different this season.
"It is a good opportunity to show that we have improved on that front because a year before it was completely the opposite and last year it was like that," Wenger told reporters during Thursday's press conference.
"We have now got the opportunity to show that we have grown as a team, that we are more mature and ready for the fight. Let's do it.
"I don't think that this game is very important for us mathematically [just] because we dropped points away from home [at Everton and Leicester]. But it gives us credibility and confidence if we do well.
"It's a big game and for us it is a home game as well.
"We had a decent start in the Premier League but of course we dropped some points and we have a good opportunity at home to play against Manchester City and get the three points."
The Gunners have more difficult games coming up as they travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and then to Villa Park for a tricky away game against Paul Lambert's men.
But Wenger believes his side can cope with the tough fixtures ahead.
"They [Man City] have the same problem," added Wenger.
"I think you have to accept your schedule and to deal well with it and adapt. Our game is to accept and adapt and give your best performance.
"The pressure is big in a game like that but you want that, we enjoy that and it's also an opportunity to show that you can deal with it and that we have the quality to do it."
