MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Nathan Ake scored the winner as Manchester City beat Arsenal 1-0 to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Friday.
City not only knocked out Arsenal from the cup but also earned a psychological advantage in the race for the English Premier League title.
Arsenal has a five-point lead but its seven-game unbeaten run was ended by City, which has three straight wins in all competitions.
England's two best clubs meet again in a top-of-the-table clash at Emirates Stadium on Feb. 15. For now, City manager Pep Guardiola gained an edge on his former assistant, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Defender Ake was the unlikely match-winner after curling a low shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 64th minute.
The goal came after substitute Julian Alvarez struck the post with a long-range effort.
Arsenal had chances to take the lead after having the better of the first half, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Trossard forcing saves from City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and Eddie Nketiah firing narrowly wide from close range.
The visitors were made to pay as City improved after the break before Ake’s decisive strike.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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