Carling Cup player ratings: Arsenal v Manchester City

Pantilimon – Produced a save from Park that matched anything by Joe Hart at Anfield. Still needs to work on dealing with crosses but this was a much more promising display from the Romanian. 8

Zabaleta – For all the praise being directed at Oxlade-Chamberlain, he rarely got the better of Pablo who did an excellent job defensively. 8

K Toure – No surprise to see him putting in his best performance of the season at the Emirates. Organised the defence superbly. 7

Onuoha – Considering he doesn’t always train with the first team, this was a terrific showing. Very solid in dealing with the Arsenal threat. 7

Savic – Fantastic in possession and looked more comfortable here than against the high balls at QPR. 8

Hargreaves (Razak 79) – A disciplined showing, keeping Arsenal at bay until he tired. Tried a few ambitious balls over the top in a promising 80 minutes. 7

De Jong – Stuck to what he does best and shielded the defence excellently. Arsenal were unable to play their way through the middle. 7

Kolarov (Aguero 31) – Gave added solidity to the midfield before departing with a minor injury. 6

Johnson – Some good moments including an assist for the goal. Needed to offer a little more if he’s to force his way into the starting line-up for the bigger games. 6

Nasri – Started in the middle but to his apparent frustration was moved out wide to accommodate Aguero. Never then able to produce his best form. 6

Dzeko – Produced some excellent play away from the goal, mixed up with a few wasteful touches. His hunger was very impressive and Edin forced the breakaway that led to the goal. 8

Subs:

Aguero – Not sure he expected to play as he had a shocker… until coming up with the winner. 6

Razak – Came on when Arsenal were dominating midfield and did an effective job shielding the back four. 6

Man of the match: Stefan Savic.