Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City

Their only loss remains the 5-2 drubbing at home to Arsenal while the two title favourites – Arsenal and Manchester City – have each already suffered at least three defeats.

City had not beaten Arsenal away in the league since 1975, but James Milner and Edin Dzeko gave Roberto Mancini’s side hope they could catch eventual champions United.

Despite a couple of missed chances, this was arguably Campell’s best performance in an Arsenal shirt.

Walcott curled home a beauty in the 33rd minute before Mesut Ozil teed up Olivier Giroud to score his 12th goal in 14 games in first-half stoppage time, with Yaya Toure’s classy reply coming too late for City.

The Gunners take on the Citizens in the final top-flight game before Christmas as they look to underline their status as genuine title contenders this season.

Campbell was then denied by Hart himself, latching onto a long ball but failing to make decisive contact with his angled shot, the English keeper making a good stop with his right boot.

Mesut Ozil recorded his 14 and 15 assists of the season in this game, reaching the total in 16 appearances, faster than any player in a single Premier League season.

The London club are now just two points behind leaders Leicester. – Reuters pic, December 22, 2015.

Some great interceptions and clearances, with one interception to prevent Kevin De Bruyne breaking through on goal particularly standing out.

When it comes to numbers Ozil is leading the way, though he has played over 300 minutes more than his fellow playmaker, who has also had to adapt to new surroundings.

They have conceded 18 goals in the nine matches they have played this season without Kompany, who has been out with a calf injury since September.

A defensive slip up from Eliaquim Mangala, who started in the centre of defence on Monday alongside Aleksandar Kolarov, handed Arsenal their second goal on the stroke of half time – a deficit from which City could not recover. We are more hungry and are a more confident team this season.

Held the ball up well yet again, brought his teammates into the game, and nutmegged Hart to get the goal after receiving the ball from Özil. “I can feel as a player on the pitch the team is more confident when we play”. City’s striker has not played since 28 November, after picking up a heel injury in the 3-1 win over Southampton.