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Stephen Ireland’s sixth league goal of the season came at that perfect time, just before the break, and a sublime Robinho goal 11 minutes into the second half doubled the lead.
The Gunners rarely threatened Joe Hart, and Danny Sturridge’s late penalty sealed our first win over Arsene Wenger’s side since August 2006, and only the second in Premier League meetings between the two.
Mark says, “We had a game plan and we stuck to it. When you go up against Arsenal you have to try to restrict their ability to dictate the tempo of the game, and I think we did that really well in the first half.
“The goal came at a good time just before half time but I still think we were good value at that point. You would expect Arsenal to come out and ask more questions of you, and although they tried to force the issue I don’t think they had that many clear-cut chances. The only one I can recall was when Bendtner went through and Joe made a fine save. Apart from that we kept them to long distance shots and were very dangerous on the break ourselves.”
Saturday’s clean sheet for City was their first in five games since the win over Stoke, and that was an aspect that pleased the Manager just as much as the good attacking display.
“I thought that was key to the performance today, Dunnie & Micah were really solid and both full backs were prepared to put their foot in, and attack at the right times. That gave us the defensive platform to enable the rest of the team to force the issue.
“I am really pleased because what we have lacked on occasions this year was there for all to see, so we are delighted. Irrespective of circumstances purporting to be around Arsenal, you know facing them will be difficult and you have to perform – which is just what we did.”
Robinho’s superb goal saw him loop the ball over a helpless Manuel Almunia, but a miss when one-on-one a few minutes later was quickly followed by the worrying sight of the Brazilian magician hobbling off injured.
Mark adds: “When you see Robbie one-on-one with the keeper, you expect him to score. He has fantastic ability and you know that at some point he is likely to produce.
“He has just gone over on his ankle. It’s one that is initially very sore, it should settle down quickly and we do not anticipate that there will be any long-term damage. We hope he will be OK, if not for Thursday then certainly for the derby.”
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