Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini felt his team could have done better to place scoreboard pressure at Arsenal on Monday night.

The Gunners scored twice before half-time through Theo Walcott and Oliveir Giroud with their only two shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes after Kevin De Bruyne had earlier missed a gilt-edged opportunity.

After the match, Pellegrini hinted at his side failing to make the most of their chances while Arsenal were efficient in front of goal which proved to be the difference on the night.

"I think the second goal was decisive. We played better than Arsenal but the first shot they had was the first goal," the Chilean told Sky Sports.

"Before that, we had a clear option to score but we didn't and when you miss the option, normally they score in your goal.

"I think the second goal was very important because it was in the last minute from a mistake of our team.

"Of course, that makes it worse because I think we did better than Arsenal. We had more possession, more shots and more attempts but we didn't win the game.

"You must win. In the second half we took more risks and we also had options to get at least a draw. In these important games you cannot make some mistakes."

Yaya Toure pulled one back for City with a superb 82nd-minute strike but the visitors were unable to find a leveller at the Emirates Stadium.