MATCH ANALYSIS
KEY MOMENT
Johan Djourou might not be the sturdiest member of Arsenal’s defensive unit, but the injury that ended his game in the 47th minute forced a reshuffle that saw the previously excellent Laurent Koscielny asked to fill in at right-back. And the Frenchman was almost immediately caught out of position in the build-up to David Silva’s winner.
DUGOUT VIEW
“I am delighted for this win because after Chelsea it was really important to beat Arsenal and go again to the top of the table, also because Arsenal are a really strong team at this moment. We know United are a really strong team and we can’t think that we can win the title without fighting against ManUnited. We want to stay at the top for a long time, not only Christmas.”
– Man City boss Roberto Mancini
TALKING POINT
After elimination from the Champions League and a first domestic defeat of the season at Chelsea last week, City took on Arsenal from the unfamiliar position of second place, following Manchester United’s win at QPR earlier in the day. They responded with, if not the class of champions, then certainly a resolve that suggests they can handle the heat.