Wenger - Defeat hard to take

Just a fortnight after losing 2-1 at City's local rivals United, the Gunners returned to Manchester hoping to avoid back-to-back defeats.

However, former Arsenal striker Adebayor inspired his new club to a fourth successive win in an open encounter at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Wenger was disappointed his team did not pick up at least a point and concedes he is returning to North London with a similar feeling to two weeks ago.

"Unfortunately, we are going home with the same feeling," said Wenger.

"Considering the way the two teams played and the number of shots we both had, we should have done much better.

"In the second half, I felt we were in control, so the result is a bit difficult to take."

Adebayor, who joined City from Arsenal in a ?5million deal in the summer, was involved in two flashpoints during the second half of the game.

He tangled with Robin van Persie after catching his old team! -mate in the face with his boot before running the length of the pitch to celebrate after scoring City's third goal.

Wenger said: "I don't want to assess his performance as he's not my player.

"I haven't seen the incident with Van Persie. I will have to look at it and assess it.

"The celebration was not of the biggest elegance, but that's out of my control."