David Silva struck the only goal as Arsenal went down 1-0 at Manchester City on Sunday.
 
The Spaniard scored seven minutes into the second half just as the visitors were settling down after a defensive reshuffle following the loss of Johan Djourou.
 
Mario Balotelli raced down the left flank that had been previously occupied by the Swiss international and, although his shot was saved by Wojciech Szczesny, Silva eventually scrambled home the rebound at the far post.
 
The visitors put in a decent response. Thomas Vermaelen saw an effort superbly saved by Joe Hart and, in the final seconds, curled an effort just past the post. But Arsenal were consigned to their first Premier League defeat since they lost 2-1 at Tottenham on October 2.
 
Manchester City were the more powerful side and worthy of their win. The little things went against the visitors, certainly when Micah Richards appeared to handle in the area towards end. But, on this showing, Wenger's men will have a major part to play at the top of the table this season.

Arsenal lost this afternoon but they were not beaten.

Before kick-off, Wenger kept faith with the side that had squeezed past Everton last weekend. There was no reason not to. Arsenal were the form side in the Premier League.
 
The hosts were not exactly faltering but had endured the closest thing they had come to a blip in an otherwise brilliant season so far. At the start of December, they had been knocked out of the Champions League and just a couple of hours before kick-off they were toppled from top spot by their cross-town rivals. They came into this game fresh from defeat at Chelsea – their first domestic reverse of the campaign.
 
However, the opening stages today suggested there would be no hangover.