Arsenal

2.43

• 
  81

  17

  2.50

  Wojciech Szczesny

  Guessed correctly for Dzeko's penalty and was thankful when the ball rolled back across the line into his arms. Distribution was inconsistent throughout, and parried the ball straight to Dzeko for the second goal, but made an excellent stop in the second half to deny Tevez.

• 
  27

  17

  2.50

  Bacary Sagna

  Effectively given the right-wing role after Koscielny's dismissal, with Oxlade-Chamberlain taken off, and tried to get forward as often as possible, but as City asserted their authority opportunities were rarely forthcoming.

• 
  29

  20

  2.50

  Thomas Vermaelen

  Made a vital challenge to block an early effort for Silva but looked out of sorts overall, picking up a booking for a reckless challenge on Dzeko and found well out of position for the second goal. Improved in the second half, leaving Dzeko no quarter.

• 
  11

  64

  1.50

  Laurent Koscielny Flop of the Match

  Lasted eight minutes before hauling down Dzeko in the box, conceding a penalty and earning a straight red. Although it was a dire performance from the rest of the team, there is no doubt the sending off had a huge impact on the game.

• 
  19

  24

  2.50

  Kieran Gibbs

  Had his work cut out with the threat of Zabaleta and Milner down City's right, and often found himself in a two-on-one situation. Didn't have much joy going forward, either, with options often limited.

• 
  16

  36

  2.00

  A. Diaby

  Started his first game for some time and looked rusty, disappearing for large spells after the red card. Involved in a few attacks late in the first half but failed to make a telling impact and regularly gave possession away in midfield. Replaced by Ramsey on the hour.

• 
  86

  10

  3.50

  Jack Wilshere

  Arsenal's best player by far. Worked hard to track back and support the defence but was the only real engine in Arsenal's midfield with Diaby absent for large periods. Kept the hosts only two behind with a fine goal-line clearance from Javi Garcia's header, and led a much-improved team performance in the second half.

• 
  19

  40

  2.50

  Santi Cazorla

  One of the Premier League's best newcomers, Cazorla has slotted perfectly into Arsenal's style of play, but the Spaniard's passing wasn't up to his usual high standard, and he failed to make effective use of the few times he was in possession.

• 
  42

  21

  2.50

  Lukas Podolski

  Conceded the free kick which led to Milner's thunderous strike. Dropped deeper after the red card but still failed to support Gibbs in defence on the left-hand side. Fired Arsenal's only real effort straight at Hart before the break, and was replaced by Giroud early in the second half.

• 
  20

  39

  2.50

  Theo Walcott

  Came up against a true test in the form of Vincent Kompany and, with the early red card, openings were far and few between. Tried to take on Nastasic in the second half and caused some problems, but had no support up front. Nearly grabbed a late goal but for a goal-line clearance from Lescott.

• 
  32

  13

  2.00

  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

  Looked sharp at the start of the match, but was sacrificed for Mertesacker after Koscielny's early red card and had no chance to make an impact.

Substitutions

• 
  25

  20

  2.00

  Per Mertesacker

  Came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain to bring up the numbers in defence after Koscielny's sending off, but was off the pace, leaving holes in the Gunners' back line including in the build-up to the second goal.

• 
  41

  14

  3.00

  Aaron Ramsey

  Came on for Diaby with half an hour remaining, and helped the Gunners make much more of a fight of the match. Often found himself with few options going forward, but did slide Walcott through late on for a glorious chance which was saved by Lescott.

• 
  20

  34

  2.50

  Olivier Giroud

  Replaced Podolski early in the second half and had an opening with his first touch, but was rarely involved apart from that.

Manchester City

3.00

• 
  31

  24

  2.50

  Joe Hart

  His first contribution was a timid punch from an Arsenal corner but he wasn't really tested throughout, with Podolski's 20-yard first-half effort his only save.

• 
  27

  39

  3.00

  Vincent Kompany

  Stuck tight to Walcott throughout the afternoon, but early on had a decent chance to give City the lead with a header that flew wide. It was looking like a comfortable afternoon for the skipper before he was harshly dismissed for a foul on Wilshere with 15 minutes left.

• 
  38

  20

  3.50

  Pablo Zabaleta

  One of City's best players this season, the Argentina international set his stall out early, looking to get forward at every opportunity, and put in another fine performance, linking up well with the midfield and causing Gibbs all sorts of problems.

• 
  15

  29

  3.00

  Gael Clichy

  Played very high up the pitch as the visitors tried to put pressure on Arsenal, and stuck tight to Sagna when the Gunners pushed forward. The majority of City's threat came from the other flank, though, so he was more required for defensive duties.

• 
  29

  32

  2.50

  Matija Nastasic

  Enjoyed a comfortable afternoon for the majority of the match as the visitors dominated possession, making the extra man count. Had a couple of hairy moments with Walcott but survived.

• 
  51

  37

  4.00

  James Milner Top of the Match

  Took the opening goal with real conviction, hammering the ball across goal and into the corner, and looked as good with the ball as he has done all season. Quieter in the second half with Arsenal starting to show fight, but the damage was already done and it was a superb performance from the England international.

• 
  16

  33

  3.00

  Javi García

  Probably the quietest of City's midfielders in the first half but spurned a superb chance, belting a free header way off target before seeing another headed off the line right before the break.

• 
  18

  27

  3.00

  Gareth Barry

  Another solid performance from the England international, spreading the play when the visitors had the ball and putting pressure on Arsenal when they didn't.

• 
  37

  22

  3.50

  David Silva

  As usual, the focal point of much of City's play. Set up a glorious chance for Dzeko, before playing his part in the quick free kick for Milner's goal. The Spain midfielder is back to the high standard he set last season. Replaced by Kolarov in stoppage time.

• 
  201

  28

  3.00

  Edin Dzeko

  Failed to take advantage of winning the penalty with a poor effort, but redeemed himself with a solid performance. Had the easiest of finishes for the second goal but ensured he was in the right place. Showed good movement throughout the afternoon but missed a couple of other good chances.

• 
  23

  76

  3.00

  Carlos Tévez

  The striker's contributions were sporadic, but often telling. Found Milner for the opening goal with an absolutely sublime through ball, then nearly scored with an outstretched foot which helped Dzeko bag the second. Wasted a one-on-one chance to make it three in the second half before coming off after Kompany's red card.

Substitutions

• 
  25

  21

  3.00

  Joleon Lescott

  Replaced Tevez after Kompany's dismissal and had to stay alert with Arsenal pressing forward more than in the first half, but lived up to the task well and saved the clean sheet with a fine clearance off the line.

• 
  25

  30

  2.00

  Aleksandar Kolarov

  Came on for Silva with only a couple of minutes of stoppage time remaining and didn't touch the ball.

• 
  21

  59

  Mario Balotelli

  Given a short cameo right at the end, replacing Dzeko, but had no time to make his mark on the match.