Arsenal 2 Manchester City 0: Full time report
Captain Cesc Fabregas returned to help inspire Arsenal as two goals from Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor secured victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spain international had been out for three months with a knee injury, but marked his comeback in some style to set up a goal for Adebayor in each half.
With Adebayor also now firing on all cylinders following his eight-week spell out of action because of a hamstring problem, Arsene Wenger's squad could just be set for a vintage end to what has been a testing season as they prepare for a Champions League quarter-final and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.
The Gunners came into the game on an unbeaten league run of 16 matches which had taken them back into the top four while City had secured just one away win this season, but they were the last team to beat Wenger's men back in late November.
Nigel de Jong tested Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia with a low drive from 20 yards.
Arsenal, though, went ahead on seven minutes after they were awarded a free-kick on the right when Robinho bundled over Bacary Sagna.
Fabregas' delivery to the penalty spot was inch-perfect for Adebayor, who powered a header back into the bottom corner for his 13th goal of the season.
Arsenal - without leading scorer Robin van Persie because of a groin injury suffered during the international break - continued to press.
Fabregas ran to the near post and his cross was cut out by City captain Richard Dunne.
The visitors were forced into a change on 17 minutes when full-back Wayne Bridge - just back from a hamstring injury - limped off, to be replaced by Gelson Fernandes.
Arsenal continued to dominate and force City back into their own half.
Defender Kolo Toure charged into the right side of the area, and forced a save from Shay Given at his near post.
City broke away in the 27th minute through Shaun Wright-Phillips.
