Arsenal Fail To Capitalise on Aston Villa Loss in Sunderland Stalemate

The day had started on a positive for Arsenal with Chelsea's defeat of Aston Villa leaving the Gunners just seven points off their nearest Champions League rivals with a game in hand due to the 3 o'clock kick-off.

However, come 5 o'clock, Arsene Wenger's team had managed to claw back just one point on the Villains, as they were frustrated by a dogged Sunderland side.

Andrey Arshavin was handed his debut for the North London side in a midfield that also contained the attacking threat of Samir Nasri with Denilson and Alex Song acting as the defensive shield.

The Russian got a warm reception at the Emirates and his first touch was loudly cheered by the home crowd.

Arsenal's only recruit in the January transfer window showed several glimpses of his immense talent, twice going close in the opening quarter hour and sending in several quality crosses.

However, it was Robin Van Persie who had the home side's greatest chance when he was slipped in by Denilson. Somehow the Dutchman put the ball wide when he was one on one with the Sunderland keeper.

This early chance for Van Persie set the tone for the rest of an irritating afternoon for the Arsenal players, manager and fans. Opportunities were created and wasted.

Nicklas Bendtner saw his glancing header well saved by Fulop in the Sunderland goal, while Kolo Toure had a number of cracks at the target.

Wenger replaced the tired Arshavin just after the hour mark, bringing on Mexican Carlos Vela. The 19-year-old was guilty of missing perhaps the best chance of the game when he found himself in acres of space only to pull his shot badly wide.

William Gallas had the last opportunity of the game, but the end result was no different.

This was Arsenal's third successive scoreless draw in the Premier League, their driest spell since 1998.

It was a case of the same old, same old for Arsenal this season. A team comes to the Emirates, parks the bus and hope to hit the Gooners on the break.

Yet Arsenal seem unable to break down these tactics in the same manner as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

Injuries can certainly be pointed to, with most of Arsenal's players on the treatment bench.

Alex Song and Denilson are more defense-minded, with Song offering little to an attacking side. Although it seemed pointless to play the two today against a defensive Sunderland side, the options open to Wenger are unproven in Ramsey, Wilshere, and Merida.

Denilson does offer an attacking threat but that is rare. Hence, it is Arsenal's lack of creativity in the middle that is costing them points.

Add to that the forwards' inability to finish those that are created, and it is easy to see where Arsenal's current problems are and why they are so far off the pace.

Arsenal fans must be wondering what could have been were Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the park to pull the strings and Eduardo up front to finish them off.

But ifs and buts will get Arsenal fans and the team nowhere. Arsene Wenger must try and get more out of this current crop of players and hope those who are out come back sooner rather than later.

On a positive note for Arsenal fans, Andrey Arshavin looks like he may become a hit, while this season Arsenal seems to go from a low to a high.

Monday night saw a high in the return of Eduardo and a 4-0 defeat of Cardiff.

Today was frustrating which saw two points dropped, which brings us to the next game against Roma.

So, we're due a high, right?