Hart unfazed by Arsenal hoodoo

Joe Hart insists there will be no sense of inferiority in the Manchester City camp on Sunday even though it is 37 years since they last beat Arsenal away from home in the league.

Although the Blues knocked Arsene Wenger's men out of the Carling Cup at the Emirates last season, Tony Book was in charge the last time they tasted a top-flight victory - but Hart does not feel the sorry statistic is anything to worry about.

"These records are made to be broken," he told Talksport. "We feel strongly that we can turn up anywhere and win. It has not happened at the Emirates. But it is not a case of us turning up and thinking we are going to lose."

He added: "It is a great pitch, great atmosphere and it feels like you can go and express yourself. Hopefully that will be the case on Sunday."

City know they will be 10 points behind at kick-off if Manchester United defeat Liverpool earlier in the day, a legacy of some scrappy form which has seen them drop more points than anticipated at this stage of the campaign.

"It has been frustrating for us," he said. "We know what we are capable of but there have been occasions when a couple of us have not played great. Last year, two or three would play brilliantly and that would be enough for us to win the game.

"It has been difficult. We are fighting through it and are still feeling positive."

City will be without the influence of Yaya Toure, who has departed for the African Nations Cup and is not due to return until the middle of next month. With Jack Rodwell once again struck down by injury, either James Milner or Javi Garcia will fill the central midfield vacancy.

Either way, Hart insists City will cope and he added: "Jack has been pretty unlucky but Javi has settled in really well. His English is good, which helps. He is physical and is ready to rumble.

"He is going to help us in central midfield and it will give James Milner an opportunity as well because I know it is his favourite position. We have plenty of options."