Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker has said that his side still need to prove their title credentials despite beating fellow favourites Manchester City 2-1 last night.

First-half goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough for the Gunners to move within two points of league leaders Leicester City, despite Man City applying late pressure following Yaya Toure's 82nd-minute strike.

This season is widely considered Arsenal's best chance to lift the title since they last won it in 2004, but Mertesacker insists that the team are taking things game by game.

"We haven't proven anything yet and we haven't been that consistent that we can talk about that - that is my opinion," he is quoted as saying by PA.

"We go game by game and concentrate on having a game plan and trying to implement it. That has been our strength so far against the big team and it makes us stronger as a unit.

"We face the next challenge on Saturday. It is obviously a very busy time but we haven't shown some strength and the depth of the squad is vital at the minute."

Arsenal, who face Southampton on Boxing Day, have now picked up 20 points from the last 24 available against other teams in the top half of the table.