Adebayor on the bench

Manchester City v Arsenal

Manchester City left Emmanuel Adebayor on the bench for this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League clash with his former club Arsenal.

The Togo striker, who infamously celebrated in front of Gunners fans after scoring against them last season, hit a Europa League hat-trick in midweek but Carlos Tevez returned to lead the line.

Dedryck Boyata started in defence at Eastlands with Joleon Lescott among the substitutes alongside fit-again £23million signing Mario Balotelli.

Arsenal were without Abou Diaby but Bacary Sagna returned from injury and Andrey Arshavin was chosen ahead of Tomas Rosicky.

The match was preceded by a memorial service outside the stadium for former City manager Malcolm Allison, who died last week, and a minute’s applause immediately prior to kick-off.