Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
90
REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
90
A MASSIVE WIN FOR THE GUNNERS: Arteta got the goal but the whole team rose to the occasion and they get a huge ovation from the Emirates crowd. City's title challenge looks to be over but, more importantly, Arsenal are back in third
Full Time IT'S ALL OVER! ARSENAL HAVE WON!
90
IT'S BLOCKED, AND ARSENAL BREAK: Rosicky to Ramsey, he must score! But he fires high and wide! Oh dear, that's a bad miss. Head in hands from Ramsey
90
CITY HAVE A FREE KICK: Deep into stoppage time. Tevez won it with a clever turn and this must be the last chance of the match
90
BARRY PENALISED: The England midfielder brings down Arteta and Arsenal can waste a few more seconds
90
SCARVES ALOFT: Emirates is awash with red and white as the fans sing 'Nasri, what's the score?'
90
WE'RE INTO STOPPAGE TIME: City are down to ten, Arsenal are a goal up and this could be a massive step on the road to third place
90
Red Card BALOTELLI IS OFF! It's taken a while but finally Mario gets the red his challenge on Song deserved. This time it's a poor tackle on Sagna and he begins the long walk back to the dressing room
89
Yellow Card ZABALETA IS BOOKED: He's the fourth City player to see a yellow card today
89
SONG LOSES POSSESSION: But he chases down Milner and City get the throw
88
POZNAN TIME! Arsenal fans are 'doing the Poznan', an imitation of City's terrace celebration. Very cheeky
87
WOW! THAT'S A BRILLIANT STRIKE! Mikel latches onto a loose ball in midfield and slams a low shot past Joe Hart. Great technique, great power, great goal!
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have been the better team in this last 15 minutes by an absolute stretch. It's completely deserved.
87
GOAL! - Mikel Arteta 1 : 0 WHAT A GOAL FROM ARTETA!!!
Top Comments:
@marreland on Twitter says:
‏I love Arteta!
86
Substitution HERE COMES THE OX: Alex gets five minutes or so and Walcott is the man he'll replace
Top Comments:
@Ambitious_Kev on Twitter says:
Chambo time!
85
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
84
Substitution TEVEZ REPLACES AGUERO: Before the corner can be taken, Tevez comes on. He couldn't, could he? Not straight away as Szczesny claims the corner
Top Comments:
@ndabrams on Twitter says:
‏Why am I so nervous?
83
CORNER TO CITY: Balotelli's cross is hammered behind by Santos and Kolarov will deliver this one in a moment...
82
SANTOS OUTSIDE THE BOX: It's on his right foot so he tries to pick a pass... but that runs out of play. Time for the Ox, anyone?
Top Comments:
@E26football on Twitter says:
What did Man City ever do to deserve this luck?
81
SZCZESNY CLINGS ON: Good delivery from Kolarov, good claim from the keeper
81
DOWN GOES BALOTELLI: Ramsey pushed him and that's a free kick to City close to the right touchline. Danger for Arsenal
Top Comments:
@harry_afc_ on Twitter says:
Come on Arsenal, total domination but no end product.
80
TOO CLEVER BY SONG: He tries to dink a pass into the area when a simpler one would have done. Ten minutes to go, will this game have a winner?
79
Substitution OFF COMES NASRI: To a chorus of boos, the former Gunner is replaced by Kolarov
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
Nasri hasn't really performed his old side as Roberto Mancini would have hoped.
78
Substitution ON COMES RAMSEY: He replaces Benayoun - well played Yossi
77
CITY ON THE BREAK: The visitors are relying on counter-attacks at the moment and you sense they would take a point
76
HOW DID THAT STAY OUT?! So, so close for Arsenal. Hart pushes Walcott's shot onto the post, Vermaelen can't convert the rebound and Lescott denies Benayoun on the line. Incredible!
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
How on earth did that stay out? It's off the post, Vermaelen slices it into the path of Benayoun and it's eventually off a City shin away.
76
GREAT ATMOSPHERE HERE: The home fans are roaring their team on
Top Comments:
@aKidNamedKudzi on Twitter says:
Need to be punishing City now!
75
#ARSENALLIVE: Join the debate on Twitter - we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
74
ROSICKY WITH THE CROSS: And this time RVP can't reach it. City have a throw but Arsenal are in charge at the moment. Will we see another sub soon?
73
RVP WITH A DEEP CROSS... and Vermaelen can't quite head it goalwards. Now Santos gets to the byline and his low cross is kicked away
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal are finding it difficult to break down City at the moment, they have to move the ball around quicker.
72
ARSENAL ON TOP: Good spell for the Gunners as Walcott's shot is blocked. Now they have a corner after Hart can't keep it in
71
RVP FINDS THE NET! BUT HE'S OFFSIDE! Arsenal break at pace and the captain turns inside his man before beating Hart with a neat finish. The home fans are on their feet but the flag is up
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
He is just offside there, it's a good decision. But did he need to be?
70
SLICK PASSING: Benayoun and Rosicky fashion a half-chance inside the box but the ball runs away and City clear
68
BALOTELLI! He goes for the spectacular overhead kick but misses completely. Arsenal escape but City are much more dangerous now
Top Comments:
@MarcoCapo13 on Twitter says:
Oxlade time?
68
Yellow Card KOSCIELNY IS BANNED: He goes in late on Barry and that's a deserved yellow card. He'll miss the next two matches - Wolves and Wigan
67
STILL RAINING: A few players have slipped over in the wake of persistent second-half drizzle. Lots of subs warming up now, including Chamakh and Oxlade-Chamberlain, plus Tevez for City
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
Man City have flattened the game again. They're taking their time on set-pieces, regrouping and not really pushing Arsenal.
66
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
64
BETTER FROM ARSENAL: The busy Benayoun nips in to break up a City move but Walcott can't quite reach a ball over the top
Top Comments:
@lieenvo on Twitter says:
‏Sooo close!...It's coming though. The goal is coming.
63
RVP HITS THE POST! So unlucky! It was Song with another wonderful assist, chipping the ball over the City defence, and the captain's header beats Hart but bounces off the post
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
Van Persie has to think that was in all day long, Joe Hart hasn't even bothered with it. I was almost going to criticise Song for not playing the ball forward enough.
62
YOSSI ON THE CHARGE: He jinks past two challenges but the right-foot shot lacks power and Hart claims easily
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
We know we are a good passing side, now we just need to affect City by driving at them. We look threatening, they back off and things open up.
61
#ARSENALLIVE: Who would you bring on? How can Arsenal win this game? Have your say on Twitter using the #ArsenalLive hashtag
60
MILNER WITH THE FREE KICK: He delivers it from the right... and Song heads clear. Good defending, but Arsenal are really under pressure here.
59
Yellow Card SANTOS IS BOOKED: He shoves Balotelli to the ground and protests his innocence, but the ref shows a yellow
Top Comments:
@Henry_Ulaan on Twitter says:
Arsenal need some Van Persie magic or a Song assist to win this one.
58
GREAT CHALLENGE YOSSI! Zabaleta has time and space at the back post but in comes Benayoun with a sliding tackle to concede the corner
Top Comments:
@coachpdavis on Twitter says:
We want the Ox!
57
FIRST ACTION FOR ANDRE: He hacks clear as City try to find a way through the centre. Good defending
56
Substitution SANTOS COMES ON: And it's Kieran Gibbs who goes off - must be an injury then. More bad luck for him
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
He's looking a bit disappointing so I am not sure it's through injury. We'll see what Santos can bring to the table but that is an interesting change.
56
Yellow Card MILNER GOES IN THE BOOK: That's a late challenge on Rosicky
54
ARSENAL UNDER PRESSURE: City have been much more proactive since the break. Almost as if they remembered they have a title to fight for
53
GREAT CHANCE FOR CITY: In comes the cross and Aguero and Zabaleta go for the same ball. Szczesny tips over but that is a big let-off
Top Comments:
@Big_Zaks on Twitter says:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs at least 30 minutes today to make an impact.
52
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
51
AGUERO ON THE CHARGE: Clichy makes inroads on the left and plays it inside, but Vermaelen stands firm and wins the free kick as Aguero pushes him
50
NASRI CLATTERS ARTETA: Zabaleta got involved too as Mikel goes crashing to the ground. Arsenal haven't really got going since the break
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
I think the referee has to get a bit of a hold on that, it looked like a bit of a reaction challenge from Nasri after he'd lost the ball.
48
SANTOS WARMING UP: Has Gibbs got a knock? We'll see but the Brazilian is getting limbered up. So is The Ox
47
EARLY CHANCE: City have started brightly and Vermaelen has to be strong to usher a cross away from danger
Top Comments:
@manings on Twitter says:
We should win this game, an RVP goal would be awesome!
Kick Off WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: No changes for either team as City kick off in drizzly rain
Top Comments:
@Gooner_Kevin on Twitter says:
‏I'm ready for a thrilling 2nd half! Another 3 points for The @Arsenal, pleeeeeease!
45
VIEIRA IN THE DIRECTORS' BOX: He's chatting to Arsenal Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis. What a legend
45
RVP LEADS OUT ARSENAL: Song is there too but he could quite easily not. Every time you see that Balotelli challenge it makes you shudder
Half Time THAT'S ALL FOR NOW: The half-time whistle goes and it's goalless at the break. Vermaelen got in the way of a certain goal for RVP but Balotelli could easily have been sent off - otherwise it's been pretty even
45
AGUERO OFFSIDE: Arsenal have shackled him well in the first half, especially Koscielny. Laurent needs to avoid a card though - or he'll miss the next two games
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
It's been good pressure from Arsenal in the last five minutes of the half and it is no surprise to see the possession 60:40.
45
THREE MINUTES OF STOPPAGES: And we're already into the first one
45
SAGNA CROSSES... but City head clear again. They are winning every aerial ball in their own penalty box. Arsenal need to be cleverer to find a way through
44
CRUNCH! Walcott tries to go past Kompany but that's a brilliant tackle
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
That was good, positive play from Theo. He's always looking to get forward, the crowd are urging him on and that's what he has to to - get at them.
43
#ARSENALLIVE: Join the debate on Twitter - what do you think of the game so far? Who would you bring on in the second half?
43
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTARY TEAM: Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will field your comments via www.arsenal.com/studio
42
OFFSIDE: Song doesn't spot Gibbs' run quickly enough and the delayed pass finds the left back in an offside position
40
EVEN STEVENS: Arsenal were in control for 20 minutes but things have changed since RVP's unfortunate miss
Top Comments:
@Irene41015 on Twitter says:
Balotelli should already have been sent off. Three stupid, reckless challenges.
39
CORNER TO CITY: Balotelli turns Sagna but the right back recovers. Arsenal have more defending to do as Milner swings it in... the danger is cleared and Joe Hart shows a wonderful first touch at the other end
38
Yellow Card FINALLY, BALOTELLI IS BOOKED: He leaves his studs in on Sagna yet again and this time Martin Atkinson shows a card
Top Comments:
@Jrocain on Twitter says:
All this possession but we have to make it count!
37
FOOT RACE: Walcott and Clichy chase a ball down Arsenal's right, Theo gets there first and saves a goal kick at the expense of a throw
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
I'm just wondering whether Manchester City's gameplan was to stifle us a bit. We have had a couple of chances though and I am sure we'll get a couple more.
35
CITY UNDER PRESSURE: RVP, Rosicky and Benayoun all try to get shots away but Lescott eventually clears after a scramble. The visitors break... but Szczesny rushes out to hack clear
34
HART GETS THERE FIRST: Good delivery from Arteta but Hart climbs to tip the ball away
Top Comments:
@Mr_DYD_Gooner on Twitter says:
Another one from Balotelli on Sagna - wonder when he's gonna get at least a yellow?
34
GIBBS ON THE LEFT: He links up with Benayoun and gets tripped by Barry. Free kick to Arsenal in dangerous territory. Arteta will take it...
33
BALOTELLI AGAIN: This time Sagna goes down under a challenge from the Italian. His studs were up but it didn't look malicious
32
GOOD PRESSING: Rosicky races to close down Kompany and City are having to hurry in possession
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
I think we just have to be mindful that we stay tight at this moment in time. It's drifting in and out of real football at the moment.
31
CORNER TO CITY: Barry swings it in and Lescott heads it down and wide at the far post. He beat Sagna to the ball there
30
POOR FROM SONG: He miscues a pass and Pizarro tries to pounce. Arsenal regroup and keep City at bay but the visitors are pressing forward
Top Comments:
@munkooka on Twitter says:
I think its time Arsenal scored...put City in their place!
29
A RARE LULL: The fans swap chants about Tevez and RVP to fill in the time. City are coming back into the game though
27
CLICHY DOES WELL: Walcott took him on down the right but the former Gunner reads it well and wins the throw
26
CHANCE FOR CITY: Balotelli loses his man and stabs Barry's corner goalwards, but Arsenal clear at the second attempt
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
That was awful marking from Arsenal, the ball barely travelled three feet in the air and Balotelli was allowed to get his shot away there.
25
#ARSENALLIVE: Have your say on the game on Twitter using that hashtag. We'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Top Comments:
@Sabelo_M on Twitter says:
I'm absolutely LIVID that Balotelli is still on the pitch!
24
IMMENSE FROM SONG: He slides in to stop Nasri and then holds off two more challenges. A powerhouse performance from Alex so far
23
ANOTHER ARSENAL CORNER: Up goes Koscielny but he can't get over the ball and his header flies over the bar
Top Comments:
@Sylviaaedm on Twitter says:
Can anyone tell what Szczesny looks like again? Haven't seen much of him today...
21
RVP GOES DOWN: And once again Arsenal get nothing. It's very feisty out there but that one didn't look like a foul
20
THAT IS DISGRACEFUL: Balotelli rakes his studs down Song's shin but the ref and linesman didn't see it. Song is in agony and you've seen red cards given for those
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
That's six studs at knee height and the referee hasn't spotted it. An awful challenge from Balotelli.
19
NASRI TRIES TO THREAD IT THROUGH... but Szczesny claims that one. Balotelli wasn't on the same wavelength
17
Substitution PIZARRO REPLACES TOURE: Early change for City and a reshuffle too. Emirates still stunned by that Van Persie effort
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
I hope it doesn't come back to bite me but City just don't look like a side challenging for the title at the moment.
16
OH MY WORD! WHAT A LET-OFF FOR CITY! RVP meets the flicked-on corner with a header but it hits Vermaelen on the line! It seemed a certain goal!
Top Comments:
@SYMorawetz on Twitter says:
It's been a while since I saw Arsenal dominate a title challenger like this. #beautiful
14
CORNER TO ARSENAL: They wanted more as RVP goes down under a challenge from Kompany as Rosicky clips in a cross. Toure is still struggling, by the way. He'll have to come off
13
RVP DROPS DEEP: He's not getting much space from Kompany and Lescott but he finds Rosicky there as Arsenal go forward again. Another cross from Walcott... another header clear
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have been the dominant force so far and this is very good from the Gunners. You get the feeling they are on top and need to score.
11
BALOTELLI FIRED UP: He clatters into Song after claiming that Sagna pulled him down. This could get a bit tasty, you know
Top Comments:
@J_Raw268 on Twitter says:
We're keeping them on their heels but we have to look out for the break.
10
SONG TRIPS TOURE: City want a yellow card for the Arsenal midfielder and he might deserve one, but the ref gives nothing. Toure stays down and needs treatment but he won't get more than a free kick
8
WALCOTT LEAVES IT... and Sagna can fire in another cross. This time Lescott heads away. Now Rosicky on the volley! It deflects wide for a corner. Good pressure
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
He took that well first time on the volley. That was a good little flick from Kieran Gibbs there too.
7
SOLID FROM ARSENAL: The home side have started well but no clear chances as yet. Hang on, in comes the cross from Sagna - but Kompany clears
6
OFFSIDE: Balotelli is flagged but hammers a shot into the North Bank anyway. A booking for kicking the ball away? No, common sense prevails
Top Comments:
@NLondonIsRed on Twitter says:
C'mon you Gunners, Do me proud, Win me some money, and make my dad's day - he's at the Emirates right now!
5
CORNER TO ARSENAL: RVP takes it... Joe Hart punches well but the City keeper took a bang from Song as he went up. He looks a bit winded
4
WALCOTT SHOWS HIS PACE: That's the first test for Clichy but he just about passes it, clearing for a corner. That could be a great battle on the Arsenal right
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
Technically Walcott has been better this season. His passing has been much sharper.
3
KOMPANY CONCEDES THE CORNER: In it comes from Arteta and Koscielny can't quite get there. City break but Aguero is offside
Top Comments:
@Mr_DYD_Gooner on Twitter says:
The atmosphere inside the Emirates is electric as usual...
2
Yellow Card ARSENAL FREE KICK: Nasri brings down Song... and now Rosicky is hauled back by Yaya Toure. That's a yellow card
2
JEERS FOR CLICHY: That's a minor surprise, he was a good servant for the Arsenal
Top Comments:
@DigitalJuiceUK on Twitter says:
Time to shine boys. Man City should not be allowed to win this game.
Kick Off OFF WE GO! RVP and Rosicky get us underway as Arsenal attack the Clock End in the first half
FLOODLIGHTS ON: It's a gloomy day in North London so the lights are on already. The captains and mascots shake hands and we are just about ready to go. Come on Arsenal!
Top Comments:
David Hillier on Arsenal Player says:
I'm hoping that City come out early and push for the opening goal. I think Arsenal can exploit that.
HERE THEY COME... Arsenal in their famous red and white, City in all sky blue. A huge banner ripples around the North Bank lower tier as the players shake hands
RVP ADJUSTS HIS ARMBAND: Final preparations from the skipper as he awaits the signal to lead his team onto the pitch in front of an expectant Emirates crowd
THEY'RE IN THE TUNNEL: City's players have lined up and here come Arsenal, led by Robin van Persie. He's due a goal, isn't he?!
Top Comments:
@101maj on Twitter says:
Time for another seven-game winning streak.
WOULD YOU TAKE A DRAW? That would be enough to take Arsenal above Spurs and into third place with six games to go. E-mail our commentary team with your thoughts at www.arsenal.com/studio
MUST-WIN, WANT-WIN: Wenger described this game as a 'want-win' for Arsenal, but City really need all three points to keep their title hopes alive after Man United beat QPR today
TEN MINUTES TO GO: The players have finished their warm-ups, Elvis is crooning and we're almost ready for this vital, vital game
BOOOOOOOOO! The home fans give Samir Nasri the treatment as the teams are announced here at the Emirates. Nasri looks unconcerned
WALCOTT v CLICHY: That could be a key battle today as Arsenal past tries to stop Arsenal present. Who will come out on top? Have your say on Twitter using the hashtag #ArsenalLive
DERBY REPEAT? Arsenal's starting XI - with Benayoun on the left - is the same one that faced Spurs in February. And we all know what happened then
EX-GUNNERS RETURN: Nasri and Clichy are in City's starting line-up but there's no place for Kolo Toure in the visitors' squad
E-MAIL THE STUDIO: Dan Roebuck and David Hillier will field your comments before, during and after the match so get your e-mails in via the website at www.arsenal.com/studio
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is that the team you would have picked? Join the debate on Twitter and use the hashtag #ArsenalLive - we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
YOSSI GETS THE NOD: A minor surprise in Arsenal's line up as Benayoun starts ahead of Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Jenkinson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Chamakh
ARSENAL TEAM: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Benayoun, Walcott, Van Persie
Our Matchday Show gets underway at 3.35pm (UK time) with highlights, analysis and pre-match interviews. Your host is Dan Roebuck and former Gunner David Hillier will be alongside him in the studio and the commentary box.
The race for a top-four place has arguably never been hotter and it continues right here. It's Arsenal v Manchester City, it's the Premier League and it's live on Arsenal Player.
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
28 GIBBS, Kieran
11 SANTOS, Andre (56)
25 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
30 BENAYOUN, Yossi
16 RAMSEY, Aaron (78)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex (86)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
25 JENKINSON, CARL
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
16 RAMSEY, AARON
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Manchester City
01 HART, Joe
05 ZABALETA, Pablo
04 KOMPANY, Vincent
06 LESCOTT, Joleon
22 CLICHY, Gael
18 BARRY, Gareth
07 MILNER, James
08 NASRI, Samir
13 KOLAROV, Aleksandar (79)
TOURE, Yaya
16 AGUERO, Sergio
32 TEVEZ, Carlos (84)
45 BALOTELLI, Mario
30 PANTILIMON, COSTEL
02 RICHARDS, MICAH
13 KOLAROV, ALEKSANDAR
34 DE JONG, NIGEL
08 PIZARRO, DAVID
10 DZEKO, EDIN
32 TEVEZ, CARLOS
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
If he can't control himself then you wonder why Roberto Mancini continues to play him.