Dedryck Boyata was shown a red card just five minutes into the game and the Gunners ran home deserved winners thanks to goals from Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Nicklas Bendtner, while Cesc Fabregas also missed a penalty.
The result sends the North Londoners up to second in the Premier League and Wenger was pleased they managed to see off the 10 men.
"It is always difficult against 10 men but we have shown our intelligence, and we slowly took over the game," he told Sky Sports.
"Sometimes we have played 11 against 10 and not won.
"I think collectively we completely dominated the game. I hope that will give us the belief and confidence to take into other games.
"When you look at the points we've dropped, and the bad luck we've had, today maybe makes up for it.
"We have a good collective way to play, a great attitude, a great spirit and we have a good basis to do well."
Wenger admits that it was a fiery first half and that he was concerned his own team might have also been reduced in numbers by referee Mark Clattenburg.
He added: "That was the danger because suddenly it became a bit electric.
"We were on a few yellow cards so we had to calm down and play in a positive way in the second half."
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski made a number of smart stops, most notably in the opening minute to deny David Silva, and Wenger praised the Polish shot-stopper.
"He was important as he did everything right," he remarked. "The first chance was for them and he saved it in the first minute and I cannot fault him on anything."
Asked if he could replace Manuel Almunia when the Spaniard returns to full fitness, he said: "You always want the freedom to change when needed but
looking at his performances at the moment you cannot fault him at all."
Next up for Arsenal is a midweek trip to Newcastle in the Carling Cup, and the French coach insists he will field a strong side against the Magpies.
He said. "I will check tomorrow with the injuries but a few (that featured at City) will play. We will play with a good team.
"Some players need games and we want to give ourselves a good chance of qualifying so we'll play with a strong team."
City boss Roberto Mancini claimed that their numerical disadvantage was the reason for the defeat, but Arsenal captain Fabregas believes it made no difference.
"Even if they were 15 and we were 11 we would still go and win," he added.
"We always want to go forward and create chances but the way we played today, we were very difficult to stop. I think we were fantastic.
"I think we played some outstanding football and it's difficult to stop a side when they play at that tempo."
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