David Moyes was left frustrated after Sunderland were outgunned by Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Jermain Defoe’s penalty stunned the Gunners after Alexis Sanchez’s strike had provided the visitors with a half-time lead, but Arsene Wenger’s side romped through the gears and ran riot scoring three goals in seven second-half minutes.
Substitute Olivier Giroud was the man of the hour netting a quickfire double, with Sanchez adding his second to provide the knockout blow on Wearside.
Speaking post-match, the Sunderland boss said he was pleased by his side’s commitment, passion and desire, but admitted they paid the price for defensive lapses at key times.
“I think the score line is a little bit harsh on us,” said Moyes. “I don’t think we deserved to have lost by three goals.
“The players are giving all they have. You can’t question their commitment or their passion and desire.”
He continued: “We were never going to be the aggressors in the game because of the quality that Arsenal possess in their side but I thought we did well and deservedly got an equaliser.
“We didn’t defend well on a number of occasions and we paid the price. I thought we defended well initially and kept good shape and we were disciplined but we didn’t see the game out as we should have done.
“We showed good character early in the game, I would have liked to have seen us show the same character to stay in the game after that.”