Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City: Joey Barton's instant reaction

Arsenal took a decisive step forwards in their title challenge by beating Manchester City.

The Gunners had led 2-0 at half-time hanks to goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, both strikes assisted by Mesut Ozil.

    Wenger got his tactics spot on. Advantage Arsenal going into the Christmas period. City desperate for a striker and centre half in Jan.
    — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) December 21, 2015



City boss Manuel Pellegrini sought to change his approach at half-time, taking off Fabian Delph who was meant to shore up the midfield, replacing him with Raheem Sterling.

Sergio Aguero had started for City upon his return from injury but failed to make an impact, and was taken off after an hour as a precaution after picking up a knock.

By this point Arsenal could have been three or four up, with only excellent goalkeeping from Joe Hart keeping them in the game.

This enabled Yaya Toure to set up a nervous finish with an excellent strike from outside the edge of the box with 10 minutes remaining, but Arsenal saw the game out to win 2-1.


Arsenal were without Alexis Sanchez despite his recent return to training, not even making the bench.

Both sides remain behind leaders Leicester City in the Premier League table, who won away against Everton at the weekend to extend their lead temporarily.