Manchester City failed to close the gap to Chelsea back to two points as Arsenal ended the hosts' 12-game unbeaten run at the Etihad on Sunday.
Santi Cazorla's first-half penalty and an Olivier Giroud header after the break earned Arsenal the points as they moved back up to fifth place in the table.
Here, Sports Mole picks apart the penultimate Premier League game of matchday 22.
Match statistics
City
Shots: 12
On target: 4
Possession: 65%
Corners: 16
Fouls: 12
Arsenal
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 35%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 5
Was the result fair?
Absolutely. It feels odd to say it, but Arsenal delivered a brilliant away performance at one of the big boys. So many times in recent years they have capitulated under the pressure in an important game on the road, but it was the complete opposite today. City's brightest sparks in Sergio Aguero and David Silva were all but silenced, with Arsenal taking their chances when they came.
City's performance
The champions' unbeaten run comes to an end at unlucky 13. Manuel Pellegrini's side were not at the races today, despite Aguero's first start in six weeks. Although at full time they had had more shots than the visitors, their first one didn't arrive until after the half-hour mark. They were unable to produce anything dangerous in the early stages and fell behind when the returning Vincent Kompany bodychecked Nacho Monreal in the box. The Belgian will argue that there was little contact, but he clearly moved his body in the Spaniard's direction and blocked his path.
They started the second half in better mood following the introduction of Stevan Jovetic, but still City struggled to really do much in the area. Their task of getting back into the game was made much harder when they switched off at a set piece to easily allow Giroud to nod home.
Despite having 16 corners, the home side were toothless all game long and deserved nothing.
Arsenal's performance
One of the best away displays in recent memory from the Gunners. They might have had only 35% possession, but Arsene Wenger's side were in total control. Cazorla typified everything that they did well today by harassing the opposition and keeping a cool head when the ball was at his feet.
The penalty came after 10 minutes of decent pressure from the visitors and Giroud's header killed the game off. So many of Arsenal's players worked their socks off for the team cause, with superstar Alexis Sanchez not among the goals for once but still a pest for City.
A mention, too, for Francis Coquelin, who not long ago was on loan in the Championship at Charlton Athletic. He assumed the role of anchor man today, breaking up play and making simple, no-nonsense passes to his teammates. This is the sort of display that Arsenal have to produce if they are going to really compete in Europe.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Santi Cazorla: An easy decision after the Spaniard's all-action display. The diminutive midfielder not only scored one and set up the other, he also had more touches than anyone else and did a bit of just about everything.
Biggest gaffe
With the score at 0-1, City could have equalised when Jesus Navas's low cross was missed by both Aguero and Jovetic.
Referee performance
Mike Dean had a fine game with the whistle. The six bookings he gave out were all the right calls and he also made a bold, but correct, decision by pointing to the spot following Kompany's bodycheck.
What next?
City: Pellegrini's side travel to the United Arab Emirates to face Hamburger SV in a mid-season friendly on Wednesday before returning for an FA Cup fourth round tie against Middlesbrough.
Arsenal: No such exotic trip for the Gunners, who also face a Championship side next weekend in Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pascal Lemesre
