​Sunderland manager David Moyes has pleaded with the fans not to push the panic button after the Black Cats were blown away 4-1 by Arsenal in a dreadful performance at the Stadium of Light.


The home side had somehow pulled themselves level at 1-1 in the second half from the penalty spot, but the introduction of Olivier Giroud soon put paid to any hopes of a fightback.

"I don't think we deserved to lose in the fashion that we did in the end," said Moyes - unconvincingly - to ​BBC Sport. "I thought we put up a really good show to stick with Arsenal in the first half when they were good, and in the second half I thought we grew into the game."


"I thought Arsenal's quality and the strength they've got from the bench as well showed. I thought we got opportunities in the second half, but we defended poorly on the occasions when we were needed, and that ultimately cost us."

Sunderland v Arsenal - Premier League

Arsenal are not known for their aerial prowess in matches, but they converted twice from crosses in the game.


"I think if you lose goals to crosses from Arsenal, you're questioning yourself. If you lose goals to Arsenal with some great interplay, which they're capable of, sometimes you hold your hand up. But I'm disappointed to lose two goals from crosses today, I would have thought we'd do better."

Sunderland are bottom of the league with only two points from ten games, which is the worst start to a top-flight season from any team since Manchester City in the mid-nineties.


"What I'd say is we're obviously not in a good position, that's for sure." offered Moyes in the understatement of the century. "We need to play better, when we can, but the players are very committed so they're doing their best. We need to get some injured players back."