Manchester City have "raised the bar to levels not seen before in football" but Arsenal are "getting closer", says Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with third-placed City one point behind as the title race nears a thrilling climax.

It is the first time in 10 years that only one point separates the top three after 28 games, with Liverpool second.

"It's a massive game for both teams," said Arteta.

"It will give us a massive boost if we win but there is a lot of games to go after that."

Manchester City, bidding for a fourth successive title, have won 12 of their past 13 league matches against Arsenal, with their only defeat a 1-0 loss at Emirates Stadium earlier this season.

City are looking to complete back-to-back Trebles, with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid and FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea coming up.

"They have raised the bar to levels not seen before in football," said Arteta. "You have to keep up with that pace and that is what we are trying to do.

"We learned from the level, it's the level we want to be at. We are getting closer in the past two or three years. We need to close that gap and try to be better than them.

"They have earned the right for everyone to look at them as an example. It has raised our level and demands to try and be like them and beat them."