They managed to raise their game enough to earn a convincing victory in the second half that included a wonderful Cesc Fabregas strike.
Jens Lehmann - 5 - Someone on this site wrote after the Bolton game: "how much we will miss his excellent, quick distribution if the German is to leave us at the end of the season". Oh dear.
Emmanuel Eboue - 6 - Fine work for the first goal and was a threat to City for most of the evening.
Gael Clichy - 6 - Becoming one of our most reliable players but wasteful with his passing in attack.
Kolo Toure - 5 - Dived in rashly on City's goal but had little to do besides.
William Gallas - 6 - Comfortable evening for such an accomplished defender but in a more important match questions might be asked as to why - 30 yards from goal - he decided to turn and hit the back-pass from which Jens cocked up.
Alexander Hleb - 7 - Another rollercoaster ride from our Belarussian but this was definitely more thrilling than some performances in recent weeks.
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - Two goals in a week for Cesc. Pretty much little left to say about him.
Gilberto Silva - 7 - Steady performance as per usual.
Tomas Rosicky - 8 - Showing signs that he could become the consistent goalscorer that some doubt he could. The nature of his two goals is as encouraging as his continued excellence in his all-round play.
Abou Diaby - 7 - Threw himself into tackles a bit too much, causing his early departure but won a vital one for the opening goal and will surely shine next season.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 6 - Can't fault him for effort but needs a goal soon. Saturday would be an oppurtune time.
Subs:
Julio Baptista -6 - Scored a goal which was nice - his Arsenal career is slowly winding down.
Denilson - n/a - Gave Cesc a brief rest.
Philippe Senderos - n/a - At least he had a touch this time.