Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal

Feb 3 2008 John Alexander Reports

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger hailed goal-hungry Emmanuel Adebayor after the Togo striker bagged a double to fire Gunners back to the top of the table.

The towering striker took his tally to 21 goals for the season with Eduardo da Silva also netting an overhead kick.

Gelson Fernandes pulled one back for the home side but faltering City couldn't stop Wenger's troops retaking top spot after Manchester United could only draw at Tottenham.

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal lost their iconic frontman Thierry Henry to Barcelona last summer However, Adebayor has picked up the baton in fine style to leave Wenger thrilled.

He said: "Thierry is a world-class player and we do not forget him. To fill that void the way Emmanuel has is fantastic.

"He has made a big improvement this year and been remarkably consistent.

"I feel his movement off the ball has improved as has his finishing. He was not calm in front of goal when he first arrived here but now he is so composed.

"Not only does he score goals, he plays for the team.

"He had a big impact on the centre-backs today and they are good defenders."

Despite his obvious delight with Adebayor, Wenger refused to be drawn on whether the striker is a better player than Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored 27 goals.

Wenger said: "I have a lot of respect for Ronaldo but am happy with the players I have.

"They are different players.

Adebayor is a real centre forward. He has great stamina, is strong and loves to play.

"For him to finish top scorer is not important. It is important the team wins.

"There is great understanding in the side. That makes players feel more comfortable and you get to see the best of them."

Adebayor broke the deadlock in nine minutes when his close-range effort took a deflection off Micah Richards.

Arsenal extended their lead 16 minutes later as Eduardo scored with a superb overhead kick after Adebayor had flicked the ball on.

City grabbed a lifeline in the 27th minute when Fernandes swept home from close range.

The visiting side were dictating the pace though and Adebayor scored his second with two minutes left to bring an end to City's unbeaten home league record.

After a sizzling start to the season the Eastlands men have been struggling and boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is concerned.

He said: "Arsenal are a great team but we knew that before the game. It was disappointing to lose at home for the first time this season.

"It's time to wake up if we want a place in Europe. It's far away at the moment.

"We are all angry. We need to start the game in another way than we have done recently.

"We were not aggressive enough. You can't give Arsenal a two-goal lead and still expect to get something."

Eriksson also revealed he is is still hopeful a deal to bring Benjani Mwaruwari to City from Portsmouth will be given the green light by the Premier League next week.