5 Of The Best Wins Over Man City

It's been 19 days since Arsenal last played and if you're anything like me, you'll be itching for their return on Sunday. The trip to The Etihad will no doubt bring about some painful memories, not least last seasons 4-1 defeat that effectively ended our title push. 

There have however been some memorable victories and that's what we're going to focus on! So get yourself ready for Sunday's monumental title clash with five of the best wins over Manchester City!

Freddie At The Ready

Back in 2003, Arsenal had started the season well and were looking to maintain their 100% start to the campaign. A familiar face stood in their way in the Manchester City goal in David Seaman though. 

Arsenal got off to the worst possible start. A long ball into the visitors half seemed harmless enough, but while tracking back, Lauren inadvertently shinned the ball into the corner of Jens Lehmann's net. 

The Gunners struggled to create much of note up until half time, but as the second half began, they inevitably stepped up a gear. Just three minutes into the second period and it was 1-1.

Ashley Cole found space on the left before sliding a low cross into the feet of Sylvain Wilford to slot home. 

Arsenal were at it now but had to wait until the 72nd minute to find the winner. Miscommunication between Seaman and his defence allowed the ball to bounce kindly to Freddie Ljungberg, who steered the ball home to give Arsenal the lead.

It was a hard-fought victory but one that would help them on their way in their pursuit of the league title. 

Jose Sets Up Final Day Top 4 Chase

In the 2005/2006 season, Arsenal were celebrating the last year at Highbury but had struggled to reach the heights that previous seasons had seen. Despite a run to the Champions League final, they had struggled domestically for consistency and entered into the final few games of the season needing a strong finish in order to overhaul rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their quest for a top-four finish. 

Arsenal knew that a win in their penultimate game of the season at City was crucial if they were to have a chance of securing the final Champions League place. 

Freddie Ljungberg got the visitors on their way with a smart left-footed finish into the far corner following an exceptional pass by Thierry Henry. David Sommeil equalised just eight minutes later following some confusion in the Arsenal backline. Trevor Sinclair headed from a deep corner and Sommeil was left unmarked to tap home. 

As the second half drifted by, Arsene Wenger brought on Jose Antonio Reyes, a change that would prove pivotal. Just six minutes after his introduction, the Spaniard connected with a cross from Emmanuel Eboue to restore the Arsenal lead. 

Reyes then made absolutely sure of the points with his second. Henry made strides down the left side of the pitch and found Reyes in the centre of the penalty area, who took one touch before curling a delightful shot into the top corner. 

Arsenal went onto clinch fourth with a 4-2 on the final day of the season, while Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United. 

Eduardo's Acrobatics

In February 2008 Arsenal were chasing the title in what had been dubbed by many as Project Youth. Following the departure of Thierry Henry in the summer, Arsene Wenger had put his faith in his young squad and for much of the campaign, it had looked like succeeding. 

Arsenal returned to the top of the table with a 3-1 win over City. They raced into a two goal lead following goals from their front two, Emmanuel Adebayor and Eduardo. 

Adebayor opened the scoring with a near-post finish following some strong work from Bacary Sagna, before Eduardo acrobatically finished off a glorious counter-attacking move to double the lead. But just as Arsenal looked to be taking control of proceedings, Gelson Fernandes pulled one back following a mistake by Gael Clichy. 

Jens Lehmann was called into action twice to maintain the Arsenal advantage, before Adebayor clinched the three points following some smart link-up play between Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas. 

Cesc On Song

In 2010, Cesc Fabregas stole the show with a player-of-the-match performance. The Gunners were immediately on the front foot and as Marouane Chamakh was played through in the fourth minute, Dedryck Boyata fouled him. As the last defender, the referee had no alternative but to dismiss him. 

Arsenal found the break through with a goal of immense quality. Samir Nasri picked the ball up on the edge of the box, before exchanging passes with Andrey Arshavin and rifling the ball into the roof of the net. The Gunners had a chance to double their lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Fabregas saw his spot kick saved by Joe Hart in the Manchester City goal. 

City continued to threaten despite their numerical disadvantage, but it was Arsenal who grabbed the next goal to take the game beyond the hosts. Fabregas was again at the heart of things, as he attempted to play the ball through to Chamakh. The ball bounced away to Alex Song, who was on hand to slam Arsenal into a two-goal lead. 

As City pressed for a route back into the game, gaps began to show, and Arsenal made absolutely sure of the points through Nicklas Bendtner. 

Cazorla Magic

The last time that Arsenal won at The Etihad was in 2015, when a Santi Cazorla masterclass stole the show. It was a game that saw Arsenal play in a manner not in-keeping with their attacking flair that usually accompanies their play. 

From the outset, the tactic was clear to frustrate the hosts. Francis Coquelin came into the side to provide a defensive shield, allowing Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey an opportunity to be the creative outlet that Arsenal required. 

Indeed, it was the Spaniard who opened the deadlock. Nacho Monreal was fouled by Vincent Kompany, allowing Cazorla the chance to convert from the spot and give Arsenal the lead. 

Arsenal continued to frustrate the hosts with their defensive shape and Cazorla was again the man to provide the difference midway through the second half. Awarded a free-kick midway inside the half, Cazorla delivered a fine cross for Olivier Giroud to glance home and send the travelling supporters into raptures.