The Sky Blues were keen to exact revenge against City for inflicting their only loss across all competitions in the FFA Cup Final nine days ago.

But the league leaders kept their unbeaten league run intact despite Josh Brillante given his marching orders on 73 minutes for a second yellow following a challenge on Neil Kilkenny.

An on target Rhyan Grant goal was disallowed in the first half after it struck an offside Bobo, shortly after City hit the lead from a long range stunner by Fernando Brandan.

"Brandan scored a fantastic goal for them, but we dominated the first 25 minutes where we could’ve had two or three goals and we were unlucky,” Arnold said.

“I spoke to the boys yesterday about giving the performance of the year to date, I think the stats show we did that. We had 16 shots to their five, they didn’t have a shot on target in the second half.

“If that (Grant) goal was allowed, the game would have completely change and I would’ve been confident with a 2-0 or 3-0 win.

“We played with 10 men for 20 minutes, we still dominated and it was an outstanding performance.

“At the moment things aren’t bouncing for us but we’ve still got the quality, strength and belief to still play like that and get the results.”

A penalty was given by referee Kris Griffiths-Jones in the second half which allowed Bobo to equalise after a the striker controversially went down following a shirt tug by Michael Jakobsen.

Arnold said it was a clear penalty.

Brandan also raised the ire of the home fans - a delayed reaction to a head clash with Bernie Ibini and some rolling on the ground following minimal contact by Rhyan Grant fired up the crowd.

It was a hot topic following simulation furore enveloping Brisbane Roar defender Jade North last week. But Arnold echoed the comments of City star Michael Jakobsen that the problem was a lot worse overseas.

“I’ve seen it many times at international level, why you’re surprised is because you haven’t seen it in the A-League before,” he said.

“It’s frustrating, I feel sorry for the ref, they’ve got it really tough, you need eyes at the back and the side of your head because everything is happening and it’s part of the world game I suppose.

“But I’d rather talk about our performance, we were fantastic tonight."