Late Aguero goal ends Arsenal's Carling Cup hopes

Arsenal were knocked out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night through a late Sergio Aguero goal as the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at the hands of Manchester City. A dominant Arsenal side were caught out on the break as City's first shot on target resulted in a goal to end their hopes of reaching the Semi-Finals of a competition they reached the final of last year. Arsenal again played an understrength team as the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong, Coquelin and Miquel all played. Park and Chamakh got their chances in the team as Benayoun captained the squad on the night as Djourou was the only survivor from the draw against Fulham at the weekend. Squillaci was also given his chance at the heart of defence whilst Fabianski played in goal. Ex Gunners, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure played against their former clubs for Man City.

Oxlade-Chamberlain shone throughout the game as he carried most of the threats going forward

The first good chance of the game fell to Manchester City. The ball was spread out wide to Johnson who beat Miquel and cut inside before unleashing a shot from outside the box which only just looped over the bar.

A minute later came Arsenal's first chance. Francis Coquelin managed to swing in a great low cross towards the back post and into Park who from 6 yards out, somehow saw his effort kept out brilliantly by Pantillimon.

Just before the half hour mark Pantillimon was forced into making another great save. Chamakh laying the ball back to Oxlade-Chamberlain who from outside the box struck a fierce left footed shot which was flying into the top corner but for the City goalkeeper.

Samir Nasri almost created an opportunity for the visitors as he tried playing in Johnson but Fabianski rushed out of his goal to beat him to the ball.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then granted an opportunity to stretch his legs as he beat his man before being fouled by Savic. Chamberlain took the free kick but it was safely headed out of the danger area.

The score at half time was 0-0.

City created the first chance of the second half as Dzeko was found on the edge of the area before hitting a shot from just outside the box which went just wide of Fabianski's goal.

Arsenal's first opportunity of the half came to Chamakh as Benayoun played him through but from a tight angle the Moroccan put his shot high and wide of the goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then given room to break as he got forward down the right before cutting inside and finding Gervinho. He got into the box but Toure got the challenge in to deny his Ivory Coast team mate from creating a chance to score.

The Gunner's next opportunity was provided by Gervinho as he slid a ball in towards Benayoun but the defender got there just ahead of the Isreali to put the ball out for a corner.

The resulting corner was headed out and Manchester City countered. Dzeko got down the left and played Johnson through the middle. He held the ball up and then found Aguero who got into the penalty area and buried a shot beyond Fabianski to give the visitors the lead with seven minutes still to play.

Arsenal hadn't given up yet though as Gervinho worked a chance after finding space but his shot ended up in the stands.

The Gunners then had a fantastic chance to equalise as Gervinho fired a ball in across the face of goal but neither Chamakh or Squillaci could get to the ball.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City

Arsenal: Fabianski, Djourou, Koscielny, Squillaci, Miquel(80), Oxlade-Chamberlain(87), Frimpong, Coquelin, Benayoun, Chamakh, Park(67).
Subs: Mannone, Vermaelen(80), Yennaris, Eastmond, Ozyakup, Arshavin(87), Gervinho(67).

Manchester City: Pantillimon, Onuoha, Savic, Toure, Zabaleta, De Jong, Hargreaves(79), Kolarov(32), Johnson, Nasri, Dzeko.
Subs: Taylor, Richards, Bridge, Razak(79), Suarez, Rekik, Aguero(32).

My man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 60,028