The aftermath of City's loss, which could spell the end of their title hopes, saw suggestions emerge of a physical confrontation between members of their squad at the Emirates Stadium.

But a club spokesman dismissed that, saying: "It is rubbish."

The result left City eight points behind Manchester United, prompting manager Roberto Mancini to admit their title hopes were "probably" over.

The match also witnessed another meltdown from Mario Balotelli, who was sent off in the dying moments for a second yellow card after getting away with what looked a certain sending-off offence in the first half when he caught Alex Song with a knee-high challenge.