Going into Saturday’s game against Sunderland, Arsenal fans had every right to be confident. Boasting the most potent offense in the EPL as well as a 14-match unbeaten streak, the Gunners looked ready to cruise over mid-table Sunderland. However, it was not to be. In a match where Arsenal dominated possession as well as solid offensive chances, they simply could not find the back of the net. It was a major surprise given the recent offensive potency of the club.

                Ultimately,as has been the case recently, a lapse in focus caused the Gunners to fall behind. A poorly defended corner led to a free ball inside the 6-yard box and Bent smashed it home. Had a defender gotten a head to the ball, or Almunia been stronger off his line, the crisis would have been averted and the scoreline preserved. But no, Arsenal fell asleep for a few moments at the back after dominating nearly the whole game and paid the price for it.

It’s sad, really. To see a team so dominating, so nearly flawless in their previous matches, lose so cheaply. Arsenal should have dominated Sunderland on Saturday,and now face an uphill battle towards the title. Next week’s match could have championship implications (yes, I know its November). Currently, Arsenal sit 8 points off Chelsea. A loss, and it would take basically an undefeated record from here on out to win the league. Hopefully a solid result against Standard Liege in midweek will inspire the Gunners to produce something special against Chelsea on Sunday.

                I’m sure Mr. Degel will get on here and pontificate (if he hasn’t already) about how the Blues are going to smash the Gunners, embarrass them at home, and such.But I would remind him of this: last year this time, Arsenal got waxed 3-0 by Manchester City. Lots of questions were being asked of Wenger, and his team’s ability to truly compete for a title. The following week they rebounded with a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Written by Greg Pennington, The Official Arsenal FC Blogger of the Goalmouth Scramble