Down but not out!!

Our title aspirations receieved a severe dent when we were beaten by Sunderland last evening. A planned and organised Sunderland squad got the better of us riding on the back of a solitary goal from their in form striker Darren Bent. With Chelsea showing no signs of relinquishing their hold on the top spot and United breathing down our neck, will winning the League become that much more difficult in the aftermath of yesterday’s events, 11Gunners takes a look..

It hasn’t been a happy time for a Gooner but yesterday’s defeat was the nadir. Injuries had weakened us but we still had enough strength in the squad. But Sunderland have been a tough team to beat this season, they are turning out to be the quintessential dark horses of the league. Rosicky came close in the opening five minutes but couldn’t finish with accuracy. It had been a game of few chances and Eduardo combined with Song to create our only other opportunity. Somehow, we didn’t look like the team that had scored 36 goals in 11 games.

In the 70th minute, Sunderland earned a corner and the cross and header setup perfectly for Darren Bent to apply the killer touch. Bent’s  impeccable form continues in front of goal this time at our expense.

We had credible claims for a penalty in injury time when Carlos Vela was clipped in the area but it was a 50-50 which didn’t go our way. Andrei Arshavin who was kept on the bench to allow some rest came close but only as close as the side netting, nearly not enough.

Chelsea are next, unquestionaably our biggest test of the season so far. After this weekend the stakes are that much bigger. We desperately need to close down the gap. If the results go against us, it can be the signaling of another disappointing season. But we have produced that special this season, and the boys will put in everything to overhaul Chelsea come next Sunday.

Till then, Dont Let Your Spirits Die!!