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Arsenal have announced an overall loss of £2.5 million in their half-yearly accounts, a stark contrast to the £29.2 million profit the club posted during the corresponding period in 2009.

The Gunners revealed the after-tax loss on Monday – taking into account changes in property and player sales, which are essentially one-offs – for the six months ended 30 November 2010, but claim their “robust financial performance” still has the club right on track.

The Gunners, beaten 2-1 in the Carling Cup final by Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday, will be heartened, however, by football operating profits (before depreciation and player trading) of £9.3 million (£18 million in 2009) and an operating profit (before depreciation and player trading) of £12.6 million (£29.3 million in 2009) with – as expected – a reduction in the contribution from property.

The sale of 50 apartments at Highbury Square generated revenue of £22.5 million and an operating profit from property of £3.3 million, while property business continues to be debt-free with all sales contributing to Group’s cash position of £110.4 million (£101 million in 2009).

Non-executive chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “This is a robust performance in the current climate and is where we expected to be at this stage of the financial year and at this stage in our longer term development plans for the growth of the club.

“The club is exactly where we want to be, competing for trophies across the closing months of the season. I know that Arsene Wenger and his players will remain focused and will be appreciative of the fantastic support they get from our fans around the world.

“I also want you to know that we are proud of the fact we continue to compete at the highest level while staying true to our principles. We continue to operate as a self-funding club. This brings its own challenges in an increasingly competitive environment but provides the platform for a secure and positive long term future.”

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Roberto Mancini has launched a stinging attack on strikers Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko after Manchester City lost more ground in the title race with a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham.

Balotelli found the target to put City ahead, but Mancini saw Damien Duff cancel out the goal and the Italian felt his strikers did not do enough to aid the team.

“No, I am not happy with him,” Mancini said when asked to comment on Balotelli’s display. “He scored a good goal but I am not happy. He should play well, better than today. For strikers it is important to score. But strikers should also play for the team.

“I don’t just mean Balotelli, but Carlos and Dzeko as well. They should always play for the team. Mario can play better.

“Sometimes players can play badly. You cannot always play well. But the attitude is always important. If you don’t have a good attitude, it is difficult to play with three strikers.”

Mancini’s Fulham counterpart Mark Hughes was far from happy with the reaction of the Italian to his offer of a post-match handshake at Eastlands.

The delight at the result turned to annoyance when Mancini appeared not to look at Hughes as the pair shook hands, leading the Welshman to withdraw in clear annoyance.

“I am old-fashioned,” he said. “I always think you should offer your hand in whatever circumstances, no matter how difficult it is. I did it and did it with sincerity after my team had been beaten 4-1 at Craven Cottage earlier in this season.

“I acknowledged his team were better. Maybe I misread it but I don’t feel Roberto really acknowledged the efforts of my team and what we had done by the manner he offered his hand, by not looking at me.”

Mancini countered with the accusation Hughes had done exactly the same thing in November following one of City’s best performances of the season.

“In London he did the same,” said Mancini. “I know he said something but I couldn’t understand what. For you [journalists] it is maybe the best thing in the match, for me, no. It is not important. He [Hughes] should be happy. His team got a draw against us.”

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