English Premier League
Result: Man City 0-2 Arsenal
Date: 18 January 2015
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium
Manchester City's Premier League title challenge took a hefty blow on Sunday as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal.
The Gunners took the lead in the 24th minute after they were awarded a penalty. Monreal was brought down clumsily in the box by Vincent Kompany, gifting Santi Cazorla with a chance to score from the spot, and he did not squander it as he found the top right corner.
City came close to equalising just after the break as Sergio Aguero cut inside from the right and thumped a shot that required a strong save from David Ospina.
The next big opportunity fell for the visitors as Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain broke away, but despite setting it up for Aaron Ramsey, the Englishman could not get a good shot off.
At the other end of the pitch, City had another chance to level matters. David Silva played the ball out to Jesus Navas on the wing. He sent in a brilliant cross that almost found Jovetic and Aguero but instead was directed out of play by Monreal.
Arsenal secured the three points in the 67th minute as Giroud doubled their lead. A free kick was curled in for Giroud who took advantage of a slumbering City defence to head home and grab the spoils for the traveling side.
Earlier, West Ham thrashed Hull City 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground to move up to seventh in the EPL standings.
Andy Carroll put the hosts in front in the 49th minute before goals from Morgan Amalfitano (69') and Stewart Downing (72') secured the result.
