Manchester City capitalized from an early red card against Arsenal and secured an important 0:2 victory against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in front of 60,000 spectators.
Manchester City traveled to Arsenal and needed to win to close the 7 point gap to Manchester United. Arsenal, on the other side, needed to win to overtake Everton as 5th in the table. However, City hasn’t won at Arsenal in 37 years. City started well and pressured Arsenal with Silva, Dzeko and Tevez straight from the beginning. Arsenal suffered a huge set back in front of 60,000 at the Emirates Stadium when Koscielny wrestled Dzeko to the ground and was dismissed after only 10 minutes. Referee Dean pointed at the spot, but Dzeko missed the penalty against Szczesny. However, Milner scored the lead for City in the 20th minute when he finished a Tevez assist – 0:1 City. More chances followed by Tevez and Garcia and Dzeko finally extended the lead in the 31st minute. Again, it was Tevez who provided the assist – 0:2 for City. Arsenal wasn’t able to compensate against the strong City team. Kompany received a red card in the 75th minute after reckless tackle on Jack Wilshere. Arsenals first serious shot on the City goal was in the 90th minute by Theo Walcott
Arsene Wenger said: “We were down to 10 men with 80 minutes to go and knew it would be a difficult game. We gave away two cheap goals, at 10 men you keep it 0-0 and you never know.”
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: “We started with a good attitude and pressed high as we wanted to win the game, it was easier after the sending off. Second half we were too soft and I thought the game could re-open. It was an important victory. We knew it was difficult to play here [at Emirates Stadium].”
Manchester United is still leading the table with 55 points, followed by City with 48 and Chelsea with 41. Arsenal will face Chelsea in another top match next weekend. Whereas City will host Fulham at home.
