Exit Arsenal. A title challenge that appeared to have ended in ignominy on their last trip to Manchester is all but over after their return. But a departure in December, rather than during their awful August - and following an unfortunate 1-0 defeat, rather than the historic humiliation of an 8-2 thrashing - means they can take their leave rather more respectably. Another piece of silverware is set to elude them but, after seven wins and a draw in the eight preceding games, pride has been restored.
The conclusions drawn were the product of mathematics alone, rather than the damning verdicts on Arsene Wenger's side that summer produced. "It will be difficult to close a gap on City now," the Frenchman said, while Roberto Mancini added: "[They are] 12 points behind us, ten points behind United, seven points behind Tottenham. It is difficult for them."
It is a description that applies to the context and their afternoon at the Etihad Stadium alike. Arsenal's adaptability has been tested in adversity. In the process, they have revealed an unlikely, retro look. Wenger is a manager who has reinvented and rebranded an entire club. He is the clean break from history, not the link to it. There are contrasts with his predecessors, not comparisons. So while his tactic of fielding four central defenders was an approach that would surely earn an approving nod from George Graham, even then it was enforced by the absence of fit full-backs.
But as Arsenal's renaissance came to a halt, it was because of the introduction of a fifth central defender. Or, more to the point, the need for one. The makeshift right-back Johan Djourou's groin problem necessitated the introduction of Ignasi Miquel on the left. Five minutes later, with Arsenal still adjusting, a previously dependable defence was breached. David Silva scored the goal that restored City to the top of the Premier League.
"We were a bit unlucky with the fact we had to reshuffle completely at the back in a position where we were short," Wenger said. "I did feel at half-time we would win the game if we could stay stable at the back." They couldn't. Djourou limped off and Laurent Koscielny, surging alongside Sergio Aguero in a series of sprints, was shifted to the right. While he was caught out of position, Mario Balotelli exploited the space to shoot, Wojciech Szczesny parried, Aguero headed the ball up in the air and Silva applied the decisive touch.
It was the turning point. Yet, while City fielded £38 million of former Arsenal players, even the economist argued that this was the product not of prudence or poverty but of simple ill-fortune. "It is not only down to resources," Wenger added. "You cannot buy 17 full-backs anyway." A 25-man squad would have an unusual look if anyone did.
"I think we were really unlucky with decisions," Wenger said, reflecting upon the moment Micah Richards handled and the marginal offside decision given against Robin van Persie. Joe Hart thwarted Arsenal, too, although Szczesny also stopped City from scoring more - indeed, each manager praised the opposing goalkeeper, the sort of compliment intended to highlight the number of chances they created. Darting hither and thither, Aguero was the major threat, but the Argentine who came closest to scoring was Pablo Zabaleta, who drilled a shot against the post.
"It was a game that could have gone both ways," Wenger argued. Nevertheless, it was a fine response by City, under increased scrutiny after being defeated by Chelsea and, when United beat QPR, briefly losing the lead of the division. "After Chelsea, it was really important to beat Arsenal and to go again to the top of the table," Mancini said.
For Arsenal, the significant spot is fourth. Chelsea are its occupants, three points ahead of them. One was almost secured with a final flourish as central defenders almost proved their salvation. Initially left-back, then used in the middle and finally adopting a roving brief, Thomas Vermaelen struck two lovely long-range efforts. Hart saved one while the other went narrowly wide.
This is a centre-back capable of stroking shots from 30 yards. More Wenger's type of defender than Graham's, he missed the 8-2 at Old Trafford and has returned for the revival. "I feel the team has made a lot of progress since August and they can be proud of it," Wenger said, "but this was a game we could not afford to lose." The consequences were clear to him, and to others. The Invincibles will remain Arsenal's last champions for at least another year.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Pablo Zabaleta
The right-back deployed on the left - Arsenal are not alone in missing full-backs - got the better of Theo Walcott and advanced to provide both a wonderful cross for Aguero and a shot that struck the post. He also helped City keep a first clean sheet in nine league games.
MANCHESTER CITY VERDICT
The result was the all-important thing, but the performance was positive in an open game. City created several excellent opportunities and, with Edin Dzeko on the bench, prioritised pace and movement. The choice of Kolo Toure ahead of Joleon Lescott was a surprise, but the elusive clean sheet was achieved.
ARSENAL VERDICT
This was a rare game in which Van Persie did not score - though he finished superbly when adjudged offside - but the arrivals of Andrei Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh showed the department of the side Wenger wants to strengthen in January. He denied that midfielder Yohan Gourcuff will join on loan, and other attackers are wanted, but the performance drew praise from the manager, and rightly so. They are a much-improved team.
MARIO CHRISTMAS
There were reports that Balotelli had dressed as Father Christmas and gone around Manchester handing out presents. Mancini, well accustomed to the madness of his protégé, was bemused but did not deny them. "With Mario, it is possible," he said. With Mario, most things are, although the player himself denied it via the press officer soon afterwards.
Source: Richard Jolly, ESPN Soccernet on 18 Dec 11
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