Régis Le Bris felt Sunderland gave a good account of themselves despite falling to a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats produced a spirited display but fell behind when Martin Zubimendi scored from the edge of the area just five minutes before half time. Though Sunderland started the second half well, a goal from Viktor Gyokeres put the hosts in a commanding position and the substitute was able to add a third on the break late in the game.
It extends a poor run of results in the Premier League away from home but Le Bris felt there were positives to take from the game and that it was a very different feeling from the West Ham and Brentford defeats of late.
“It was relentless,” Le Bris said.
“We showed character and personality with and without the ball. It was the game we expected. We knew Arsenal were really well rounded and have the ability to be impactful from set-pieces and especially after the counter press. We lost two balls and conceded two goals.
“It doesn’t mean our game wasn’t good. Especially at the beginning of the second half we had a couple of opportunities to be back in the game. We didn’t seize those opportunities and against an opponent like Arsenal if you don’t seize those few opportunities, the game is gone.
“Absolutely [it’s a different feeling to the West Ham and Brentford games]. The scoreline might be the same but it wasn’t the same game. In this league you have to show resilience. We have another game at home in three days. It’s another exciting challenge and we have to try to be at our best.”
Le Bris was pleased with his side’s response to falling behind but felt they weren’t clinical enough.
He said: “It was an important moment for them, but our reaction was good. I was happy with that and with the quality of our football.
“We are still a newly promoted side against maybe the best team in Europe at the minute. They’ve built this team over many years. We’re not at the same stage and we have to take the lesson. It’s important to build on strong foundations and improve those details.”
Overall, Le Bris felt it was a step in the right direction for his side despite the result.
“It’s always harder away,” Le Bris said.
“The crowd is really useful to generate and sustain momentum. We use it at home which is a big advantage because of the identity of the club and connection with our fans. Away we don’t have exactly the same support and the opponent has. But overall today is a good step for our progression. It’s a defeat, we have to accept that, but we can move forward.”
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