Manchester City scooped all 3 points on offer in their weekend fixture when they beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Etihad stadium. A second half goal from David Silva was enough to see the Citizens maintain their lead atop the Premier League table.
Luck or no luck, statistically, the Gunners were the better side on the night, however, it was not enough to see them keep their amazing unbeaten streak. A controversially disallowed penalty claim condemned Arsenal to their first lose in 9 games.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lamented at his side’s loss saying that it would be hard for them to challenge for the title. Moreover, competition for a top four finish is getting stiffer with every match as local city rivals Tottenham moved into third place after their 1-0 win over Sunderland.
“Unfortunately for us it was a game we couldn’t afford to lose because it puts us too much [behind]. If we had won the game it would’ve come back to six points and with players coming back we would have a better squad in the second half of the season,” Wenger said.
The loss sees Arsenal lose ground on leaders City who top the table with 21 points. On the disallowed penalty, this is what Wenger had to say.
“Yes, I haven’t seen it but Van Persie is adamant, 100% penalty. Decisions didn’t go for us today and we were unlucky but we have to take it on the chin,”
With half the season already done, Arsenal cannot afford to lose any other games as it would greatly hamper their chances of securing top flight European football next season.
With Liverpool lurking in the background, every game for Arsenal will be played like a final. Meanwhile City manager Roberto Mancini was delighted with the win saying that it was very important to their title campaign.
Speaking to reporters, Mancini was quoted as saying that his side deserved to win.
“We deserved to win this game,” Mancini said.
“We had a lot of chances and Silva scored an important goal. We are on the top again.
“We are delighted because after Chelsea it was really important to beat Arsenal and to go on the top of the table and also because Arsenal is a really strong team.”
Photo Credit © Manchester City FC – Official
