Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Mario Balotelli to Blame for Gunners' Crushing Win

Arsenal delivered a devastating blow to Manchester City's Premier League title hopes on Sunday when they edged City 1-0 thanks to an 87th minute strike from Mikel Arteta. 

Manchester City's defeat can easily be placed on the shoulders of forward Mario Balotelli, who was finally sent off with just minutes remaining in the match after receiving his second yellow card of the day.

Anyone watching though knows that Balotelli crossed the line on more than one occasion Sunday, and could have been given the boot by referee Martin Atkinson any number of times. 

The outrageous and out-of-control play from Balotelli up front for the Blues was arguably the main reason they were so inept in such a crucial match. 

Balotelli and Manchester City could only muster up five shots the entire match, none of them even challenging Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The Gunners dominated possession throughout as well, holding the ball for nearly two-thirds of the match. 

Balotelli's questionable challenges on Alex Song and Bacary Sagna demonstrated a level of immaturity and cockiness that have ultimately resulted in City having a slim shot at the Premier League crown.

They now trail Manchester United by eight points with just a few matches remaining. 

But as for Balotelli, the 21-year-old Italian has some growing up to do, that's for sure. Even his manager, Roberto Mancini has said in the past that he would have punched Balotelli if they were teammates. 

Still, the talent and promise from the young striker make him a tempting risk. Balotelli has 13 goals in 21 games this season, yet it seems his lack of poise in key moments has made a larger impact on City's season than his knack for finding the back of the net.