Arsene Wenger’s side set a new Champions League record of 14 goals in their opening three games and would probably need just one more win to make sure of top spot, which brings seeding for the knockout rounds.

Domestically, though, Arsenal have not maintained their early-season form, with the squad hit by injuries to key men like captain Cesc Fabregas, back to score from the penalty spot last night, as well as England winger Theo Walcott, Holland striker Robin van Persie and Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

Following successive defeats before the international break, Wenger feels his side have restored their confidence with back-to-back wins at Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal’s title credentials will again come under scrutiny at Eastlands in Sunday’s televised showdown with big-spending City.

Rosicky maintains there is no better opportunity to show just what the team are made of.

“We are already five points behind in the league, but against Shakhtar it was a kind of game when we were clinical in front of the goal. That is what we were missing, for example, against Chelsea,” the Czech midfielder said.

“If Chelsea have one chance, they kill you immediately, so I am happy that we showed we could against Shakhtar.

“We were very productive, almost every chance we got, we scored.

“But it’s about showing it in the Premier League as well.”

Rosicky maintained: “Everyone realises how it is.

“We cannot always say ’we are unlucky’. It doesn’t work like that. It is time to prove we can win those games.

“We need to finally show it on the pitch and we have a great opportunity to do it on Sunday.”

Rosicky, 30, feels it is no surprise to see City challenging at the top, given the amount of money they have spent.

“They are a tough team if you see them play. They are tactically very good,” he said.

“Sometimes they are not so entertaining, but they are a little bit similar to Chelsea – they play great in defence, they are very solid at the back, so we need a good performance and we need to be clinical.”