Arsenal would love to apply 'coupe de grace' to Man City's title hopes

London, Apr 6(ANI): Manchester City will face Arsenal at Emirates on Sunday, and a defeat in that match, aided by Manchester United's win at home against Queens Park Rangers (QPR), would most probably end any of their remaining title hopes.

And Steven Howard, columnist in The Sun, believes Arsenal would love to quash any Manchester City hopes of claiming the Premier League title, as this would come as a surprise treat for the Gunners, whose main players have long been tempted by City to Etihad.

Patrick Vieira, Emanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Samir Nasir and Gael Clichy were some of Arsenal's most talented players, and each one of them changed their ships to join City, and this fact has always irked the Gunners.

City manager Mancini's liking fro Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie is also not hidden from many, and this is something bound to annoy the Gunners the most.

"They (Man City) have cherry-picked some of Arsenal's finest talent to such an extent the North London club have been referred to as City's feeder club. First, it was Emmanuel Adebayor (though Gooners were practically dancing in the street when he left)," Howard wrote.

"Then Kolo Toure. Gael Clichy, and, finally, Samir Nasri. That it was Patrick Vieira, one of Arsenal's greatest heroes, who was complicit in tempting Nasri to the Etihad seemed like a betrayal," he added.

Howard believes it is the time for Arsenal to get some revenge on the Citizens, as a win over City would keep them closer to the third positions in the league table.

"Should Arsenal respond on Sunday by inflicting a defeat that as good as ends City's title hopes, few will begrudge Arsenal fans gloating and the high fives that accompany it," Howard wrote.

"Revenge will have never been sweeter. That victory will also put Wenger's side one step closer to nailing down third place and Champions League football for another season will be the icing on the cake," he added. (ANI)