David Moyes believes his Sunderland side were the better team after levelling the scores against Arsenal on Saturday - until the Gunners raced into a 4-1 lead, at least.
Alexis Sanchez had put Arsenal a goal up 19 minutes into the Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland - bottom of the table - threatened a fightback after Jermain Defoe converted a penalty just past the hour-mark.
The Black Cats looked full of confidence after drawing level, but two goals from substitute Olivier Giroud and another from Sanchez ensured Arsene Wenger's Gunners left the north east with three points and top spot secured.
Moyes told BBC Sport after the game: "It was tough to take and I certainly didn't think we deserved to lose 4-1. We put up a really good show to stick with Arsenal when they were good.
"We fought really hard to stay in the game and we grew into the game. We were the better team at one each, but they have that quality.
"If you lose goals to Arsenal with great interplay then you hold your hands up but I'm disappointed we lost two goals to crosses."
Moyes is still without a win in his first 10 league games as Sunderland boss, but is convinced he can turn things around.
"Once we get one or two of the injured players back, that will give us some more options and that will give us a better chance," he added.
"The message is the players are giving everything they can. It was not through the lack of effort, or the lack of trying, they played a team with a lot of quality.
"We are not in a good position and need to play better. The players are doing their best, but you will only ever be judged by your results."
