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Rico Lewis believes Manchester City are ready to put a marker down at Arsenal this weekend after getting their campaign back on track in Leipzig.<\/p>\n
City returned to winning ways after successive defeats with a 3-1 triumph in a hard-fought Champions League encounter at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The treble winners\u2019 focus now shifts to Sunday\u2019s trip to the Emirates Stadium and a clash with their closest challengers in last season\u2019s title race.<\/p>\n
Lewis, who shone in a central midfield role in the German success, said: \u201cAfter a couple of poor performances and results we\u2019ve now got the ball rolling again and hopefully we carry on from here.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt (Sunday\u2019s game) is a way we can put a stamp on the season and really make sure the rest of the league knows we\u2019re aiming to do the same as last season.<\/p>\n
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\u201cObviously we were a bit unlucky with the results and performances so we were a bit down, but it\u2019s never down for too long. There\u2019s always another game and everyone is always up for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lewis, 18, produced one of the best performances of his fledgling career as City continued their winning start to their European title defence.<\/p>\n
Manager Pep Guardiola later described the youngster as one of the best players he has ever trained.<\/p>\n
Playing alongside Rodri, Lewis brought tenacity and dynamism as he combined tireless defensive work with driving runs.<\/p>\n
He created the opening goal for fellow Academy graduate Phil Foden in the 25th minute after playing a one-two with Bernardo Silva.<\/p>\n
He was a constant handful for RB Leipzig although, after a Lois Openda equaliser, it took late goals from substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to settle the Group G encounter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do my best,\u201d said Lewis, who first broke into the side as a right-back, rather modestly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s just all about patience for myself. There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do is my best and learn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunities will come and when they do I\u2019ve got to take them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s my favourite position I think, even (more than) coming inside from full-back. I think playing a bit higher up then defending as a two with Rodri is my favourite.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Rodri completing a three-match domestic ban this weekend, it seems likely Lewis will be given another opportunity on the big stage, although he has not yet been told.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI don\u2019t have any hopes or anything. I do my best and we\u2019ll see what happens on Sunday. It\u2019s all about what the manager chooses and decides is right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Foden echoed Guardiola\u2019s praise of Lewis when asked for his assessment of his young team-mate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s one of the best young players I\u2019ve seen,\u201d said the England international. \u201cHe seems to up our tempo and makes us play a bit quicker.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe performances he\u2019s putting in at such a young age is great to see. He\u2019s only going to get better with this coach, how he improves players. He just has to pay attention and want to get better.<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally when you\u2019re 18 you\u2019re a bit shy in these big games. He\u2019s the total opposite. He wants the ball, wants to impress.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI like his determination. He\u2019s going to be a quality player, he just needs the game time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m delighted to have another Academy player playing in these big games. It\u2019s a dream come true for me.\u201d<\/p>\n