Arsenal vs Sunderland - Emirates Stadium, London - Saturday 21st February 2009

So, after the triumphant, free scoring game against Cardiff, where Eduardo returned, and the goals started flowing, everything was fixed in the world of Arsenal, right? Wrong. 5 days later, Eduardo was ruled out through a niggly hamstring injury, and the frustration returned. Andrey Arshavin made his debut on a beautiful sunny day that reminded you about the existence of spring and summer. He had a very bright first half hour, testing the keeper with a couple of decent shots, and sitting up a couple of good crosses.

But, after half an hour or so, Arshavin's lack of match fitness started to show, and he became less and less involved in the game. The excitement that Arsenal fans had been enjoying until then started to fade, and frustration took over instead. People soon started to realise that Sunderland had come to defend and secure a 0-0 draw, and that their goalkeeper and defence were more than competent enough to manage it against our midfield and attack.

As the second half started and dragged on, Arsenal played more and more in the Sunderland half of the pitch. They tried to get through the defence, but couldn't manage it. Vela and Bendtner both missed half decent chances, but really, it was the midfield that failed the team on this occasion. Every time Alex Song or Denilson got the ball, they succeeded mostly in slowing down the pace of our moves, which meant that getting past the defenders was going to be ever more difficult. Sadly, it is the only way that some of our less talented midfielders seem to know how to play.

On another day, this could have been a 2-0 win to Arsenal, but on this day, it was yet another 0-0 draw. Arsene Wenger can talk all he wants about it being good to remain unbeaten, and good to keep another clean sheet; but the more relevant statistic is that we are 6 points off a Champions League spot, with only 36 points left to play for (and for the others to drop). The manager had better dust off his European atlas, because we are going to visit some new cities next season - that's if Everton don't catch us. Arsenal fans never need an excuse to support a team playing Spurs, but next week's Carling Cup Final could secure another UEFA Cup spot for 6th place in the League - if Manchester United win. It is very sad that this is even something on the radar of an Arsenal fan, but this is our new reality.