For the first hour we edged a gentle game of football in which both teams struggled to dictate. However, our midfield trio of Wilshere, Diaby and Denilson were too sluggish when moving the ball forward and Wilshere's position at the head of the triangle negated the influence that he is usually able to impress on a game so we were not quick enough to exploit the space in the middle third.

When Wenger brought Denilson off for Chamakh in the 60th minute we were suddenly able to stretch Sunderland and Wilshere and Nasri propelled the team forward from the centre of the pitch. Sadly we were unable to capitalise on the clear cut chances that we created in the final half hour and are now left with little margin for error in the final ten league games. 

We were at fault for the first hour of mediocrity but the officials left Wenger feeling 'disgusted' by the final whistle. There were a number of questionable decisions but a couple of them undoubtedly denied us goals.

Unfortunately the referee failed to spot Bramble's push on Arshavin, partly because the Russian tried to keep playing rather than going to ground but mainly because the referee was a long way behind play. The second incident also involved our sprightly Russian who was wrongly flagged offside when he was sent completely clear late in the second half. These decisions undoubtedly cost us the points but it was a match in which we should have dominated to such a degree that the officials' competence should not have been an issue. 

Sunderland had lost their previous four matches and were there for the taking. Denilson and Diaby have been at the club long enough to know what is expected of them but they fail to deliver far too frequently. Sloppy passing and poor movement meant we could never get out of second gear while they were both on the pitch and there has to come a point where Wenger will question their value to the squad. Still, that is a subject for the summer. 

Chamakh also hit the bar with a header from a glorious Jack WIlshere cross but it was not to be today. We are still very much in the hunt but the way that events unfold in our next two fixtures will have a large bearing on morale in the squad and, more importantly, will decide whether the league is our only hope. 

Photo: Action Images

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