Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini speaks with Samir Nasri

Manchester City star takes a swipe at Arsenal ahead of showdown

by Paul Chronnell Wednesday, December 14, 2011
4:31 PM

I’m a better player now I’m at City, says former Gunner Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri has added extra spice to Arsenal’s visit to Manchester City on Sunday after taking a swipe at his former club and manager Arsene Wenger.

The midfielder, who refused to sign a new deal with the Gunners last season and forced through a £23million move to City in August, has said he is already a better player after just three months at the Etihad Stadium.

“I have learned new things tactically since coming to City,” said Nasri, 24. “The manager here is really into his tactics. He knows how he wants us to defend.

“Tactically the Italians are very strong. You always know where you have to be when you lose the ball. Mancini told me that I already knew how to attack because that that’s what I did already with Arsenal.

“I had six assists last year with Arsenal. I have already had the same number this year with City. I’m only 24 and I know I can improve a lot.”

Nasri was loudly booed by Gunners supporters and then was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Emmanuel Frimpong on his return to the Emirates last month, when City won the Carling Cup quarter-final 1-0.

However since then Roberto Mancini’s side have crashed out of the Champions League and lost their unbeaten league record at Chelsea on Monday night.

And frustrated boss Mancini has admitted that Nasri has yet to find the form he showed at Arsenal which saw him nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award last season.

“Nasri can play better but he has only just arrived [at the club],” said Mancini. “I think he can improve a lot but it was the same situation with players like [Edin] Dzeko and [David] Silva.

“But it is not important for Nasri [to beat Arsenal], it is important for the team.”

Gael Clichy, who like Nasri refused to sign a new deal at Arsenal and joined City for £8m in August, is suspended for Sunday after his red card in Monday’s defeat.

That result cut City’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points, and they could be overtaken before kick-off on Sunday if Manchester United win earlier in the day at QPR.