Koscielny sent off as Arsenal lose to City

Arsenal slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday evening as the visitors scored for the first time since 2007 at the Emirates in the League. Nothing seemed to go right for the Gunners on the day as City were awarded with an early penalty with Koscielny getting sent off and despite a spirited fightback in the second half they couldn't find the net. Arsenal made a few changes to the side that drew with Swansea in the FA Cup as Diaby returned after 3 months out in place of the injured Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile Vermaelen came back in for Mertesacker, whilst Chamberlain and Podolski replaced Ramsey and Giroud.

Laurent Koscielny was sent off as Arsenal slipped to a 2-0 defeat

On just eight minutes, Man City were awarded with a penalty. Laurent Koscielny bundled Dzeko down in the penalty area and was subsequently sent off.

It was Dzeko himself who took the penalty but Szczesny saved it as the ball hit the post after coming off his foot and then fell into the arms of the Arsenal keeper.

Manchester City then made their extra advantage count as they took the lead. City took the free-kick quickly and then Tevez slipped in Milner who fired home from a tight angle.

City then found themselves 2-0 up as Milner's cross was flicked towards goal by Tevez but Szczesny parried the ball straight into the path of Dzeko, who was left with a tap in.

The Gunners first shot on goal came just after the half hour mark as Podolski played a one-two with Diaby before finding space to hit a shot which was comfortable for Joe Hart.

Just before the break Arsenal almost conceded another as Garcia met Milner's corner but Wilshere managed to clear the ball off the line.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Man City.

The first chance of the second half went City's way as Milner got to the byline before pulling the ball back towards Dzeko but his header went wide.

The visitors then had a great chance to seal it as Dzeko played in Tevez who went clear on goal and tried to round Szczesny but he managed to stop it from being a certain goal with a great save.

Moments later Arsenal had a fantastic chance to get themselves back into the game as Giroud met Cazorla's free-kick but the ball sailed over the bar.

It was then all level in terms of players as Kompany saw red for a strong challenge on Jack Wilshere. Replays showed that the Belgiun centre half did indeed get the ball though.

In the dieing minutes the Gunners almost found the back of the net. Aaron Ramsey played a great reverse ball into Walcott who saw his shot beat Joe Hart, but then cleared off the line by Lescott.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby(62), Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain(12), Podolski(57), Walcott.
Subs: Mannone, Mertesacker(12), Jenkinson, Santos, Coquelin, Ramsey(62), Giroud(57). 

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastacic, Clichy, Javi Garcia, Milner, Barry, Milner, Silva(90), Dzeko(89), Tevez(78).
Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott(78), Kolarov(90), Rekik, Suarez, Sinclair, Balotelli(89). 

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 60,107