Stoppage-time goal helps Manchester City beat 10-man Arsenal as Cityzens move 11 points clear.

Rodri scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester City beat 10-man Arsenal to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Man City are 11 points clear at the top of the table.

It was an enthralling encounter at the Emirates Stadium on New Year’s Day and arguably a game of two halves, with the Gunners flying high in the first and regressing to 10 men in the second.

In the first half, Arsenal took the game to Man City and dominated the midfield as the defending champions looked toothless at the Emirates Stadium.

Following a string of missed chances, Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, with his fourth goal in the last three games, when Kieran Tierney rolled the ball into the 18-yard box for the England international to tap in past goalkeeper Ederson and into the bottom right corner.

In the second part of the clash, Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens were gifted a penalty after Granit Xhaka clumsily brought down Bernardo Silva but referee Stuart Attwell needed to go to the touchline monitor to revert the decision he made, however, Riyad Mahrez stepped up and levelled the score.

And two minutes later, defender Gabriel Magalhaes was given his marching orders as he was shown a second yellow card for his tackle on Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian’s first yellow came just before Mahrez's penalty, when the referee spotted him trying to scuff up the penalty spot.

Late on in extra time, Rodri tapped in the winning goal to break the Gunners’ hearts, making it 11 wins on the trot for the defending champions. It's a huge blow for Arsenal and Rodri rubbed it in as he ripped his shirt off in the corner were Saka initially celebrated.

Man City goalscorer says 'It is a massive moment’ after win over Arsenal

After the clash, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, told BT Sport: "You always have two or three games like this in a season. They showed why they are bin their position - the way they have grown with Mikel [Arteta] is huge. We know they have more rest than us. They have six days to prepare, we have three games in one week and travel. It is tough sometimes, when you don't have the physicality. We have to maybe play a bit more easy. We struggle in the first-half but took control in the second a bit more and do more our game. They did a great game but we showed our champions personality.

"We have learned from last years that you have to push no matter. We never drop and thought it was possible. I scored a goal. I don't know what I was doing in there with Laporte also. It was crazy. Three more vital points.

"I have no doubt ours was a penalty. At first I had doubt in the first action but I get close to the screen and for me it is clear.

"Small details make a big difference. They made a big mistake with the second yellow for Gabriel. We were clever. We did not have many chances but we were so effective.

"It is a massive moment. People think we always have to play top level. Sometimes it is impossible. I came back from Covid and was tired last 20 minutes. Joao Cancelo plays all the games. The calendar is a bit crazy in this period."

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale tells BT Sport: "Tough to take but we have to take it, that is the result. I don't think for large parts of the game teams have done that to Manchester City. The red card changes the game, we were so close. We go again, we have a big semi-final coming up.

"They are one of, if not the best team in the league. We are a young team and don't fear anyone.

"Both penalties, I don't know why the referee is told to see one and not the other. It is there for a reason, go and use it. It is the inconsistency. The whole point is to help the game out, in real time it didn't look like one and slow it down on a screen and it is given."

When asked about Gabriel's red card, the goalkeeper replied: "I was so confused, I didn't see him get the first yellow card. It changes the game, I think it is harsh. For large periods when down to 10 men, we defended well. It was a lucky break for Rodri and he finished it well."

Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.