Man City aim to bounce back against Arsenal

---

`LONDON, Dec 15 (AP): Eliminated from the Champions League and with its unbeaten run in the Premier League over, Manchester City's mettle will be tested by in-form Arsenal on Sunday as the battle for the English title heats up this weekend. City's 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Monday blew the title race open ahead of the traditional busy Christmas schedule, with four teams now within nine points of the leaders after 15 games. City has a two-point cushion ahead of second-place Manchester United, but with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie heading to Manchester in the form of his career, City's lead is in jeopardy. Monday has made us feel more hungry," City captain Vincent Kompany said of the setback at Chelsea. "We want Sunday to come as quickly as possible and to play football again. That is the kind of team we are. "In those kinds of moments we react and we are eager to do it on Sunday." By the time the teams kick off at the Etihad Stadium in the standout match of the weekend, City could have dropped to second with United visiting Queens Park Rangers earlier in the day.