Arsenal player ratings

Given Made a few comfortable saves before the sprawling stretch to his left from Abou Diaby which dislocated his shoulder. Our chances of fourth looks less good without him. 7

Zabaleta Returned at right-back ahead of Nedum Onuoha. A very solid performance, not missing a single tackle, before an injury saw him move to left back. The same thing happened in this fixture last season, and he was impeccable again, despite having nowhere near the pace of Theo Walcott. It's telling just how keen Mancini is to have him on the pitch at all times, regardless of position. He's a real lieutenant. 7

Touré Possibly his best game for City; after consitent improvent for the last month or so. He stuck with Robin van Persie's mercurial movement in the early passages, making a few heroic blocks when it mattered. Had a more comfortable second half but organised the back four well, particularly when Given went off. 7

Kompany Very composed today: no panics, and his reading of the game and touch in possession were both exceptional. Deserves not to be supplanted by a summer purchase. Not sure he can be sure of that though. 7

Bridge In this game last year he lasted seventeen minutes before going off with a groin injury. This time it was 27 minutes before his knee gave way. Played well enough while on the pitch. 6

Vieira A shadow of the man who bossed Arsenal midfields for so long. He was second to every 50/50 ball and lacked the combatism of his long term successor, Alex Song. Made one surge into the box but it had none of the brutal authority of his glory days. All this meant that Mancini could remove him for Adebayor without compromising the team too much. 4

de Jong The heart of our defensive wall, he had some important tackles to make and unlike Vieira was first to everything. Impressive stuff. 7

Barry Did well in the first half breaking up play in front of the back four. Could not quite find Bellamy and Johnson in advanced positions, as is so important to our 4-5-1 counter-attacking system. Got forward more in the second half and had our best opportunity when advanced down the left, but failed to find a final ball. 6

Johnson Another big game, another poor performance. It's a big step coming up from the Championship so it is understandable but he does look out of his depth against the top sides. He was anonymous as he was against Chelsea, Liverpool and United - never getting on the ball, never running at the full-back. Wright-Phillips must be frustrated. 4

Tévez Isolated when leading the line in the first half, he could never get in the game. Better in the second half when Adebayor came on and he could drop back into his second striker role. He saw much more of the ball but nothing quite came off for him. 5

Bellamy Fantastic defensive work. He spent so much time stationed just in front of the left back, which was crucial against Bacary Sagna. Not afraid to come into the middle to help out when necessary, as proven by his battle with Alex Song. Not too influential in the final third but a good performance. 7

Subs:

Richards Came back into the side at right back ahead of Onuoha. Competent defensively - with the exception of brainless free-kick conceded for shirt pulling late on, and was well involved in the game going foward. 6

Adebayor The man at the centre of the storm was wisely benched but came on to good effect early in the second half. He held the ball up well, giving us some attacking impetus, even if he didn't create or score anything. Managed to avoid inciting near-riots or trying to blind an opponent which I suppose is to be applauded. 7

Nielsen A fairly daunting City debut for the Faroese keeper. Dealt competently with everything thrown at him. Could make himself a City legend in the next three games. 6