Eight changes for Gunners

Arsene Wenger made no fewer than eight changes as Arsenal went hunting for an away victory to take them level on points with the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League.

Only one of those was enforced – Cesc Fabregas was suspended after picking up a fifth booking of the season in the 3-1 win over Chelsea – and the Gunners had a physical presence up front with Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner.