Forget Adebayor - defeats are Wenger's problem

Emmanuel Adebayor s stupidity is the least of Arsenal s problems after three goals in ten second half minutes condemned them to their second straight Premier League defeat. As in their previous loss, just five miles away at Old Trafford, possession and pr

Emmanuel Adebayor's stupidity is the least of Arsenal's problems after three goals in ten second half minutes condemned them to their second straight Premier League defeat.

As in their previous loss, just five miles away at Old Trafford, possession and pretty football failed to translate into three points for the Gunners. Or even a point.

Manuel Almunia was unfortunate to inadvertently head City into the lead after Micah Richard's effort hit the post and rebounded off the back of the Spaniard's head.

But Arsenal were level when Robin van Persie twisted and turned to fire home shortly after the interval.

Then City produced a devastating period of attacking football to take all three points.

First Richards went past Alex Song's lazy challenge to cross for Craig Bellamy to fire home and then Adebayor - who had already stamped on van Persie's cheek early in the game - had his moment with a firm header into the corner. We have not heard the last of his inflammatory celebration, despite a post-match apology possibly instigated by manager Mark Hughes and City's PR anxious department.

"You have to cut him some slack," offered Hughes afterwards. Arsene Wenger called it "not welcome".

Shaun Wright-Phillips then turned in a fourth before Tomas Rosicky marked his first game for Arsenal for 20 months with a late consolation.

Wenger described Arsenal's defence as "shaky", but felt his side deserved at least a point.

"We looked always in control, especially in the second half, and when it became 2-1 we threw everything forward and got caught on the break. But ... when you concede four goals and look at the time of possession we had and the number of shots they had and what we had, it's very difficult to take.