Saturday 13 September 2014 12:00, UK
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko admits the Premier League champions face a serious test when they take on Arsenal on Saturday.
City head for The Emirates following a shock 1-0 defeat by Stoke at the Etihad Stadium before the international break and Dzeko, who netted a superb solo goal for Bosnia-Herzegovina in a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday, believes Arsene Wenger's hosts will push City to the limit.
Dzeko told City's official website: "It will be difficult, but I'm an optimist.
“As with every season, there are several teams that will battle for the title of champions in England.
“This season Chelsea might be the most serious challenger, but we mustn't ignore Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or United, who will certainly be much stronger than last year.
This season Chelsea might be the most serious challenger, but we mustn't ignore Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or United, who will certainly be much stronger than last year.
“After all, everyone has gotten stronger, and everyone wants to be first.
“The past season was one of the best in my career, and in the end we reached the title of champions of England, the second in the past three seasons.
“We succeeded in winning the Capital One Cup and I am really happy how everything played out in the past season, both for the club and for myself."
The 28-year-old has recently signed a new contract at City, and added: "As far as the contract, in general I had no dilemma around an extension.
“I am happy at City, the manager believes in me, which is certainly important, and I give my all on the pitch and altogether it means quite a lot to me, because Manchester is a club with great ambitions and I easily decided to stay put.”
