A much-needed Premiership win at Crystal Palace last weekend was followed by Tuesday’s impressive 7-1 Carling Cup triumph over Barnsley, the biggest victory in Keegan’s three years at the club.

The successes have fuelled a belief that City could be the ones to end Arsenal’s incredible record run.

Keegan’s side led the Gunners at half-time in the corresponding fixture last season before falling to two sloppy goals after the interval.

Having also accounted for Manchester United and Newcastle on home soil last term and given Chelsea a severe test before being forced to settle for a draw, City know they have the talent to compete.

But Keegan said the only way of truly extending Arsene Wenger’s side is by playing as a team for the entire 90 minutes.

“There has been a real togetherness about the team in the last two games which maybe we didn’t have in the previous game against Everton,” said the City chief.

“That is how we have to play all the time. We are not good enough to turn it on for a 15 minute spell – we have to be there for the entire 90 minutes. We have done well in the last two games but we need to step up against Arsenal.”

Keegan is expected to recall top scorer and former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka for tomorrow’s encounter.

However, having lost 10 successive Premiership meetings with Arsenal since recording two 0-0 draws against the Highbury outfit in the 1993-94 campaign, conceding 29 goals in the process, it is probably the returns of David James and Richard Dunne which will be more significant.