Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has said that Samir Nasri must play better football on a regular basis.

The Frenchman, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium this summer in a £24m move from the Emirates, is expected to appear this weekend when the Citizens welcome his former club. However, the Italian has insisted that he must begin to show what he is capable of.

"Samir didn't play against Chelsea or United," he said. "I would like him to play better, because he is a top player.

"A top player should show responsibility. He is a champion. He is a top, top player. He can do more, but when you change teams you can have a problem.

"Maybe his confidence is not very good because he didn't play at Chelsea. If he plays against Arsenal, he will have a chance to show what he can do."

The Gunners are currently nine points adrift of league leaders City.