Tuesday 3 October 2017 08:53, UK
Petr Cech says Arsenal are relishing playing the Manchester clubs as it will give them a chance to close the gap on the Premier League top two.
The Gunners beat Brighton 2-0 at the weekend to head into the international break in fifth place, six points behind City and United.
They also overtook Liverpool, who consigned them to a humiliating 4-0 defeat in August which raised several questions about Arsenal's ability to compete for the title this season.
But Cech feels the hard work since that loss has paid off and that the November trip to the Etihad Stadium and the visit of United to the Emirates Stadium in December should be welcomed rather than feared.
"We have still to play City and United, so there will be opportunities to get closer to them," said Cech.
"But we have responded well to the disappointing defeat at Liverpool.
"Everybody has been doing their job and the positive results have given us the confidence we need.
"We are playing better as a team. We're covering our mistakes with our hard work and the cohesion and defensive attitude is there. This is the way to go forward."
Cech has also sensed that the Arsenal supporters have acknowledged the team's recent industry on the pitch.
"We said after the Liverpool game that the only way to bring everybody back on board was with our attitude, work ethic and the results and performances," said Cech.
"We have been doing so, especially at home, and we feel like we have won the fans back onto our side and hopefully we can keep them happy.
"Obviously every fan has the right to show if he is not happy. As players, we show the way and they support us home and away wherever we go."
