Reality check dampens expectations in north London but Wenger’s men remain in the hunt.

A win against Chelsea next week would leave us five points adrift of the top of the table but, with a game in hand and the winter months without international interruptions, we are still in a strong position.

The disappoitning performance today was arguably the first of the season but it was a predictable one given the injuries and fatigue picked up over the international break. Sunderland snatched all three points thanks to Darren Bent’s strike in the seventy first minute and we could muster little in response following a match most notable for its lack of goal scoring opportunities.

Robin van Persie’s injury gave Eduardo the chance to impress but he could do little to stand out from a mediocre crowd and his subdued performance was indicative of the match. He was joined in the final third most frequently by Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri but all three lacked the enthusiastic athleticism that has left all of our previous opponents this season unable to keep a clean sheet.

Pundits will point to results like this and say it is a sign that we are not ready to win the title, this may prove to be true but we still have ample opportunities and talent to prove them wrong. It was a disappointing match but there was little between the sides and the gruelling international break is a genuine excuse for the unimaginative performances given all over the pitch.

A win against Chelsea next week will still confirm our position as genuine title contenders; this defeat however, cuts our margin for error.

Photo: Action Images

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