Gunners still in hunt for fourth spot
Substitute Jose Reyes kept alive Arsenal's hopes of finishing fourth in the Premiership with two late goals.
Arsenal took the lead after 30 minutes when Freddie Ljungberg slotted in but City drew level before half-time through David Sommeil's tap-in.
Arsenal poured forward after the break and were eventually rewarded when Reyes began and ended a devastating move.
Reyes wrapped up victory with a superb finish as Arsenal closed the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to one point.
Arsenal now go into Sunday's last-ever game at Highbury against Wigan needing to better Tottenham's result against West Ham to avoid having to win the Champions League final to clinch their place in the competition next season.
For Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, there is the added bonus of having a fit Ashley Cole to call on.