The Premier League title race took another twist on Saturday night as Arsenal and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute when David Silva was on hand to convert from close range after Edin Dzeko's shot had come back off the post.
However, the Gunners earned a share of the spoils with 53 minutes on the clock when Mathieu Flamini fired past Joe Hart.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams in North London.
Match statistics
Arsenal
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 48%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 8
Man City
Shots:15
On target: 4
Possession: 52%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
Based on the first half one would have been forgiven for thinking that Manchester City would run away with the game. However, Arsenal responded positively after the break and came away with a deserved point against the title favourites.
Arsenal's performance
The Gunners were very flat during the opening 45 minutes as they struggled to live with the relentless threat of Manchester City. They failed to create too many chances, appeared slightly nervous and gave the ball away far too often. Luckily for them, City failed to build on their lead, allowing the hosts to come out for the second half with renewed confidence. They made their possession count early on when Mathieu Flamini levelled things up and from there they went toe-to-toe with City, giving their opponents plenty or problems in the final third.
Man City's performance
City were dominant in the first half, playing the kind of quick, incisive football that has become their trademark this season. They cut Arsenal open time and time again but just could not find the finishing touch in front of goal to extend their advantage. They were made to pay early in the second period when Flamini equalised, and from there on it was a case of the Blues having to show their defensive qualities to stay in the game. This could have been a much better evening for Manuel Pellegrini's side, but one gets the feeling that they will be quietly content with that point.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: The quicksilver Spaniard was a focal point for City's attacking play throughout as his passing and movement gave the Arsenal defence nightmares. He also showed good awareness to be in the right place at the right time for his goal. The Blues have a wealth of offensive riches but the form of Silva heading into the final few weeks of the season will play a huge part in whether they win the title.
Biggest gaffe
Lukas Podolski had a glorious chance to win the game for Arsenal late on when he found himself in a good shooting position inside the box, but his effort was kept out by Joe Hart. It was not an easy opportunity by any means, although you would have expected the German to find the net.
Referee performance
Mike Dean had two big calls to make and only got one of them right. The first saw him correctly wave away an Arsenal penalty appeal after Tomas Rosicky went down under a challenge from Pablo Zabaleta. The second incident saw him fail to book Rosicky for a second time following a foul on David Silva. Those two moments aside, the official did little to hinder what was an entertaining 90 minutes.
What next?
Arsenal: The Gunners continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday when they make the trip to Everton.
Man City: The Blues return to action next Saturday with the visit of Southampton in the Premier League.
Jack Prescott
