Man City facing ‘massive’ game against Arsenal, says Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry admits Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal is “massive” as the Citizens look to kick-start the defence of their Premier League crown.

Roberto Mancini’s side have made a stuttering start to the season, with an unconvincing 3-2 victory over Southampton, before drawing with Liverpool, beating Queens Park Rangers but being held by Stoke City last weekend.

City trail league leaders Chelsea by two points, and after suffering a demoralising 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid in their Champions League opener in midweek, Barry believes Mancini’s side are now facing a key game against the Gunners on Sunday.

“It has not been an ideal start to the season,” said Barry. “We finished last season with a great defensive record.

“This time we are scoring a lot of goals but conceding at the same time. I am sure as the season goes on it is something we can work on.”

“We have started pretty steadily in the league, undefeated. But this game against Arsenal is massive.

“They are a great side and we have got to try to continue our fine home form.”

City have already conceded six goals in four games in the league this season, and Barry acknowledged it is an area which the Citizens must improve on in the coming games.

“It has not been an ideal start to the season,” he added.

“We finished last season with a great defensive record. This time we are scoring a lot of goals but conceding at the same time. I am sure as the season goes on it is something we can work on.”

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