A courageous performance this afternoon in Manchester saw Arsenal come away with three points. When the line-up was announced many were worried by starters Bellerin, Monreal and Coquelin but all these players had an outstanding game.

Arsenal were compact and disciplined most of the game bar a crazy ten minutes at the beginning of the second half. Man City never created a clear cut chance and the players and manager deserve credit as this match was dealt with in the correct manner. Gary Neville often remarked on commentary that Arsenal were brilliant and it look like the penny had dropped after a lot of dismal performances away from home.

Monreal won a penalty in the 24^th minute which Cazorla converted to the left of Joe Hart to put Arsenal in front. Arsenal looked composed and were cutting off the supply to Silva the entire first half.

After half time it ended up going end to end and went very open which was crazy. However, Arsenal were rewarded in the 67^th minute when a Cazorla free kick was headed in by Giroud. That goal may silence the critics for a while after saying he cannot score against big teams. Arsenal saw the job out professionally and come away with a win after a while.

At the full time whistle, Arsenal were getting the plaudits from Souness, Henry and even Jason Cundy after remarking on Talksport Thursday night that Arsenal wouldn’t have chance and would be easily beaten. A lot of the pundits now believe that Arsenal can be taken seriously in Europe and in the league.

Arsene Wenger was delighted at the final whistle and had the following to say on the team’s performance;

"I felt that we were well-disciplined, well-organised, had a good solidarity and overall we kept a good control of the game. We could even have done better on counter attacks.”

Wenger pointed out that people are quick to judge and heaped praise on his defence.

"We played high up in their half and very deep in our half and it worked. Sometimes, the fact that you have to find solutions internally is a blessing. People are very quick on their judgement, you forget that we had many defenders out all season, as you saw today the centre-backs are a good partnership and it takes time to get back to that level.”

However, Wenger was keen to point out the importance of the first goal;

"It's down to everybody doing their job. The first goal dictates the way of the game in these big games - today we scored first.

But Wenger also knew what the result meant;

"We looked in control away from home and we finally got a big win in a big game away from home. What is pleasing is that reinforces the belief of the team. To feel that you can do well is very important."

Overall, a great win for Arsenal and now we need to make this a benchmark for future performances away from home. This win will be savoured for many fans and was much needed to keep us in the hunt for the top four.