Arsenal bounced back from 2-1 defeat at QPR last week to grab a deserved win 1-0 against Man. City in Emirates Stadium and virtually ended City's title hope. A stunning goal from Arteta's trademark thunderous shot was enough for Arsenal to earn three points and leapfrog local rival Tottenham Hotspurs, who drew against Sunderland 0-0 yesterday. Arsenal now holds two points advantage over Spurs, and five over Chelsea. While Man City is now 8 points behind leader Man. United with just 6 match to go, and their title chances is evaporating now.
It was a perfect result for Arsenal, where they keep the advantage over Spurs and Chelsea in the race of third spot. It was also a proof of good mentality of Wenger's boys, where they reacted brilliantly to last week defeat. A poor display in Lotfus Road seemed had no effect to this match, where they comfortably controlled the game on almost all the match. Arsenal dominated the middle of the park, and with handful of chances they could've scored more.
Arsenal should've opened their goal account when van Persie's effort accidentally blocked by Thomas Vermaelen on first half. Lady of Luck seemed to smile at City when Robin van Persie's clever header on second half also just hit the post, and Theo Walcott's low shot just hit the other post of Joe Hart, and Vermaelen cannot get enough to rebound the ball. However, even luck cannot help City out of conceding, when Arteta struck the ball to the bottom corner of City's goal.
Rosicky, Arteta, and Song bossed the midfield, flowing the ball from the rear to the front. Rosicky were as lively as always, and Song's trademark flick were almost becoming assist, had the assistant referee not raise the offside flag on Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie wasn't really lively, but he was dangerous whenever he got chances, and should've awarded by goal in this match. Bakary Sagna was really solid against Balotelli, linked up well with Theo Walcott, and showed what Arsenal had been missed when he was injured. Koscielny and Vermaelen were strong wall in Arsenal's heart of defence, and they were not really troubled by Aguero. The only defect was just Ramsey's unperfect finish in the end of the match, after Arsenal made brilliant breakthrough via counterattack.
In the other hand, City weren't too good in creative department, with Szczesny just forced to make two important actions : one smart rushing out from City's wonderful through pas and one tip over the bar, but aside that two chances, were largely untroubled, and seems his kicking has been improving. They were nowhere to win this match. Balotelli was not the Balotelli we saw when City thrashed Man. United 6-1, and Tevez was unable to provide matchwinner like against Chelsea. Milner and Barry struggled to hold the force of trio Rosicky - Arteta - Song.
Arsenal overpowered cash-powered Man. City, and this would be a good momentum to bring for the next match for the Gunners against the bottom of the EPL, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Should they not be overconfidence and play like today, they would surely win and cemented their place in the third place.
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