Arsenal looked every bit like a contender for the English Premier League title against the champions Manchester City in their own backyard, and Arsene Wenger was extremely happy with the performance, although he did wish his side had taken their chances and with it all three points, instead of just the one.

"I am pleased because (a point) was the minimum we deserved today," the Frenchman said. "I am pleased also with the quality of our performance and our spirit.

"Also a bit frustrated because I feel there was room to do more. We had early chances and very late chances, especially Gervinho at the edge of the box where he missed the target.

"But overall I hope this will reinforce our belief and confidence and reassure us about our potential in this league."

The absence of Thomas Vermaelen from the starting line-up, after the Gunners captain stayed behind in London due to flu, was met with a little consternation, but his replacement Laurent Koscielny ensured the Belgian would not be missed, putting in an assured performance and also scoring the equalizer.

"He had flu yesterday, and we left him at home," Wenger said of Vermaelen. "But Laurent Koscielny had a great game and stepped in very well.

"We have three classy centre backs, and it is a very difficult choice. Koscielny, Mertesacker and Vermaelen -- no matter who is left out can feel it is not right. But I will rotate them and take into consideration the strikers we will face."

Vito Mannone was at fault for Joleon Lescott's goal in the first half, but Wenger was happy with the way the young keeper coped with the pressure. "He had a good game again today," Wenger said. "He looks very solid.

"He made a little mistake in the corner and was very frustrated with it, but overall I am happy that it didn't affect his game after. I like what he is doing."

Several people criticized Arsene Wenger's decision to sell Alex Song to Barcelona, but with the way the midfielders are playing and the strength in depth available to the manager, Wenger believes he has one of the strongest squads in midfield ever. "Yes (we have lots of options we didn't have before), that is true," he said. "Especially in midfield. Center backs as well.

"When you think at the moment we have Wilshere who is not playing, Rosicky who is not playing and he was very important for us last year. Frimpong is not playing, Coquelin is not playing, Ramsey too. So we have exceptional choice.

"In terms of quality and numbers in midfield (it is one of our best squads ever). For sure."