Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Players Who Shined for City in Key Preseason Win

In the most high-profile exhibition match both teams will face before the season begins, Manchester City defeated Arsenal in Beijing. City scored twice right before halftime to grab a 2-0 lead, and the Gunners' comeback attempt was thwarted in a scoreless second half.

Although neither side featured its best starting lineup, there was still plenty of star power on the pitch for both teams.

Let's take a look at three players who played an important role in City picking up the victory at Bird's Nest Stadium.

Pablo Zabaleta

The Citizens struggled to find any type of rhythm for most of the first half before Zabaleta was finally able to give them the lead with less than five minutes before halftime. It came on a counterattack that was set up perfectly by Nir Biton and Yaya Toure.

It was a strike that really seemed to give City the boost of energy it needed to gain control. The fact it came from an unexpected source in Zabaleta, who has scored just five goals in 153 competition games for the team, made it even sweeter for the defending EPL champions.

The fan favorite figures to play a key role in City's attempt to win the title for a second straight season. He's not the most talented defender in the Premiership, but you'd be hard pressed to find somebody who outworks him on a weekly basis.

Yaya Toure

Toure kept his strong preseason campaign rolling with another top-notch performance. Not only did he help set up Zabaleta's opener, but he also added a goal of his own a couple minutes later to send City into halftime on a high note.

The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international has looked dangerous every time he's been on the pitch during the team's exhibition trip. Roberto Mancini will be hopeful the talented midfielder can carry his current form into the season.

Toure is coming off a season where he tallied nine goals in nine assists across all competitions. If he can keep playing like he has been so far during the trip, he would have a terrific opportunity to smash those numbers and have a career-best year.

Costel Pantilimon

While Joe Hart has the starting goalkeeper job on lockdown for City, Pantilimon certainly opened some eyes with his play against Arsenal. He was called on quite a bit as Arsenal pressured throughout the match, but he was able to keep a clean sheet.

The one thing that immediately stands out about Pantilimon is his size. He stands at 6'8'', which makes him look like a monster between the pipes compared to many keepers. It's something that plays on the mental approach of an opponent.

It's always nice to have a backup goalkeeper a team can trust. Hart was one of the key reasons City was able to capture the title last season, and if he ever went down, Mancini has to be pleased he has a replacement who wouldn't be a huge drop-off.