Man City beat Arsenal at pre-season friendly

Beijing: English Premier League champions Manchester City downed Arsenal 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at the Bird`s Nest here Friday.

The two English giants played an entertaining match under heavy rain at the main stadium of the 2008 Beijing Games, on the same day, and just several hours before the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, reports Xinhua. Right back Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a sharp angle shot from the right inside the box, before playmaker Yaya Toure doubled the advantage four minutes later with a comfortable touch from close range. The Gunners had two threatening shots from Andre Santos in the first half, and rallied after the break. But although the Londoners controlled the second half and created more chances, they found it difficult to beat Man City`s goalkeeper. English international Alex Chamberlain missed the best opportunity for Arsenal in the 60th minute, when his powerful drive was denied by the post. IANS