Aguero Scores Late as Manchester City Defeat Arsenal at Emirates, 1-0 [Carling Cup]

Substitute Sergio Aguero's late goal proved to be the difference against Arsenal, as Manchester City advanced to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup, with a 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Though Arsenal appeared to be the stronger side, they were denied by some quality goalkeeping, and by a fantastic counter attack.

In the 83rd minute, Manchester City followed an Arsenal corner kick with a fine run led by forward Edin Dzeko, who found Adam Johnson. The midfielder teed up the sprinting Aguero, who knocked the game-winner past Lukasz Fabianski.

The man of the match may have been Costel Pantilimon. The 6'8 Romanian goalkeeper made an acrobatic save in the 27th minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain delivered a 20-yard shot.

Just 15 minutes earlier, Pantilimon did an excellent job of palming away a shot from forward Chu-Young Park, after the South Korean received an excellent cross from Francis Coquelin.

Though Pantilimon was key is holding off the Gunners' attack, more attention was directed at another City player. Former Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri was subjected to chants of You only left for the money from the Arsenal faithful, and was booed when he touched the ball. There was also a sign of Judas for Nasri and left back Gael Clichy, who also left Emirates this past summer.

The Gunner supporters chose to disregard Arsene Wenger's pre-match comments. The Arsenal boss hoped for a good reception for Nasri, but the French star certainly didn't get it in his first game back.

Both clubs were without several regulars. Arsenal didn't suit up Robin van Persie, Aaron Ramsey, Thomas Vermaelen, and Alex Song. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini didn't bring David Silva, Gareth Barry, Yaha Toure, and Vincent Kompany.

Arsenal took 10 shots, with seven on goal, while City took nine shots with two on goal. Ball possession was almost even.

The two clubs will meet again on Dec. 18 at Etihad Stadium in a Premier League match.