Arsene Wenger believes that there are "a lot of positives" to take from today's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City.

Goals from James Milner and Edin Dzeko helped City to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to seven points at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said that his team - who were down to 10 men after just nine minutes - allowed the champions to dictate the pace of game during the first half.

However, the Frenchman believes that his players deserve credit for their battling second-half performance.

"It was frustrating because we were down to 10 men with 80 minutes to play and you know it will be a difficult game," Wenger told Sky Sports News. "I felt we were a bit too timid at the start with not enough authority. We let them dictate the game to us in the first 10 minutes and we were punished.

"The team gave a lot at the second half - you can't fault that, but I feel we are a bit nervous at home and lack that authority that makes you strong, especially at the start of the game.

"There are a lot of positives. I feel some players had outstanding games - Jack [Wilshere] is getting stronger and has found a little bit of acceleration again. [Abou] Diaby also became stronger and stronger."

Wenger also said that his team must live with referee Mike Dean's decision to send off centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

"I haven't seen it again," he added. "I was surprised by the decision but I've heard it was a penalty.

"We have to live with the decision and it doesn't mean that you have to lose the game."

Arsenal remain sixth in the league table.