Maybe a slight concern is that Sunderland have actually created more chances to score.

['Neg]

[Paul Vaessen's moment of glory]

striker they would have beaten us. Scoreline flatters us. Still, three points with this listless performance is welcome.

[Peter]

It will improve slightly over the months we are without him but it is always going to be a problem.

This was always the fear when he refused to sign cover in the summer and preferred to gamble on the ageing arteta and flamini. Both have looked repeatedly vulnerable in the role over the last two years or so.

[eastgermanautos]

['Neg]