ARSENAL 0-0 SUNDERLAND Arsene Wenger said his side must learn to adapt their game after drawing another blank at The Emirates. His misfiring side failed to score for a third successive league outing to remain at least two victories away from fourth-plac
ARSENAL 0-0 SUNDERLAND
Arsene Wenger said his side must learn to adapt their game after drawing another blank at The Emirates.
His misfiring side failed to score for a third successive league outing to remain at least two victories away from fourth-placed Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League.
"Sunderland tried to frustrate us and did that," he moaned afterwards.
"We missed chances early and late in the game and we became nervous in front of goal."
Kolo Toure had a first-half header cleared off the line while substitute Carlos Vela twice spurned chances in the closing minutes as the Gunners wasted a golden opportunity to make up ground on the top four.
"We are six points behind Villa, but there is still a long way to go," said Wenger, consoling himself.
"We are not sitting here with just three games left. Villa have difficult fixtures and we can come back. We also want to go as far as we can in the Champions League."
New signing Andrei Arshavin looked impressive on his debut, nearly scoring with a powerful effort that was brilliantly tipped away by Black Cats 'keeper Marton Fulop.
He was withdrawn after an hour as he bids to regain match fitness after three months without any competitive games.
"He showed some good signs, but also showed he is not match fit," said Wenger, before adding, ""I cannot fault the spirit (of the team) and I believe we have to keep that as a strength and the rest will come."
1
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here