Referee Mike Dean decided the outcome of the game with hardly ten minutes into the first half, as Manchester City scored a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the English Premier League.
Dean pointed to the spot for a tackle on Edin Dzeko by Laurent Koscielny, with the referee also showing a straight red card to the Arsenal defender for preventing the City striker from getting onto a header.
Dzeko himself stepped up, but Wojciech Szczesny saved the ball onto the post before gathering much to the delight of the home crowd. However, Arsenal's resistance did not last long, with James Milner firing home a belter from an acute angle after being put through by Carlos Tevez in the 21st minute.
A little after half an hour, City doubled their lead against the ten-men of Arsenal, with Milner this time turning provider. The England winger's cross was met by Tevez, with Szczesny making a save, but only managing to parry it onto the feet of Dzeko who could not miss from two yards out.
"It was frustrating because we were down to 10 men with 80 minutes to play and you know it will be a difficult game," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports.
"I felt we were a bit too timid at the start with not enough authority. We let them dictate the game to us in the first 10 minutes and we were punished. From then on, it became difficult but in the second half we had a good response and we had a chance to come back, but we didn't."
A much renewed Arsenal side came out in the second half, and took the game to City, with the home crowd egging them on. However, despite their efforts, Arsenal failed to break through City's defense, even though Vincent Kompany was sent late on for what was deemed to be a two-footed challenge.
"I was surprised by the (Koscielny penalty) decision but I've heard it was a penalty. We have to live with the decision and it doesn't mean that you have to lose the game.
"I felt we gave away two cheap goals away and when you are down to 10 men, if you keep it 0-0, you never know.
"The team gave a lot at the second half - you can't fault that, but I feel we are a bit nervous at home and lack that authority that makes you strong, especially at the start of the game.
"There are a lot of positives. I feel some players had outstanding games - Jack (Wilshere) is getting stronger and has found a little bit of acceleration again. (Abou) Diaby also became stronger and stronger."
