A late goal by substitute Sergio Aguero 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.

In the 83rd minute, Manchester City executed an excellent counter attack in which forward Edin Dzeko found Adam Johnson, and the midfielder teed up the sprinting Aguero, who knocked the game-winner past Lukasz Fabianski.

The man of the match may have been City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon. The 6'8 Romanian made an acrobatic save in the 27th minute that denied young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain his most important goal in a Gunners' uniform.

Pantilimon also made a fine play to deny South Korean forward Chu-Young Park in the first half.

All eyes were on former Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri. Chants of You only left for the money rang out from the Arsenal faithful. There was also a sign that directed a call of Judas at both Nasri and left back Gael Clichy, who also left Arsenal over the summer.

Prior to the match, manager Arsene Wenger hoped that supporters would provide Nasri with a good reception, but the French star received boos when he touched the ball in his first game back.

The Gunners were without several regulars, including Robin van Persie, Aaron Ramsey, Thomas Vermaelen, and Alex Song. Roberto Mancini chose to also sit some key players like David Silva, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, 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.

Here is a look at the Aguero goal:

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