Arsenal went into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston villa. Arsenal needed a win but with several first team players out due to injuries and suspensions it was always going to be hard. City almoust took the lead in the 27-th minute after a flowing move, which was started by Shaun Wright-Phillips. He sent Darius Vassell clear and Benjani Mwauwari got a touch to his cross at the back post, only to deflect his effort wide.
Arsenal almoust took the lead from the free-kick with Joe Hart – who had made a quick recovery from an ankle injury – beating away samir Nasri’s shot. The ball broke to Niclas Bendtner and he cleverly hooked it back to Alex Song. He was clear on goal but sent his effort wide from close range.