Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has sent a simple ‘it’s on’ message to his side’s title rivals ahead of the second half of the Premier League season. The Gunners have finished second behind Manchester City in the last two campaigns.

However, the current struggles of Pep Guardiola’s side may have left the door open - only for Liverpool to now be standing in the way. City fell to another defeat in Saturday’s early kick-off, losing 2-1 against Aston Villa, it means the side have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.

The result, along with the others so far this weekend, leaves City in sixth place in the table. Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 win over Crystal Palace saw them increase the gap between the two teams to six points.

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Arteta’s men sit in third place in the table, three points behind leaders Liverpool and one behind Chelsea. The Reds however have two games in hand, while Chelsea have one - both are in action on Sunday afternoon.

City are therefore currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but if they win their two games in hand, that gap could increase to 15.

Arsenal’s win over Palace was their first three points in three attempts in the league, after drawing their last two. After the game Arteta issued a defiant response on the title race.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said: “We are not even halfway so we are going to try certainly. For us, it’s on.”

Liverpool are in action on Sunday when they take on Tottenham away (4.30pm kick off), while second-placed Chelsea are also away as they face Everton at Goodision Park (2pm kick-off). Most teams are back in action on Boxing Day, Liverpool host Leicester City (8pm), Chelsea host Fulham (3pm), while City welcome Everton to the Etihad Stadium (12.30pm).

Arsenal have another day before they are in action. The Gunners are also at home as they welcome Ipswich Town on Friday, December 27 (8.15pm kick-off).