Even an impressive debut for Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin could not help break down a determined Sunderland side, as Arsenal were not able to conjure a crucial goal to kick-start their stuttering league campaign after hitting four in the FA Cup against Cardiff at Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

Chelsea's 1-0 win at Aston Villa earlier meant the Gunners - unbeaten in 12 matches before this afternoon - had a chance to make up ground in the race for Champions League qualification.

However, despite having plenty of chances, a Kolo Toure header cleared off the line in the first half was a close as they got, with substitute Carlos Vela twice firing wide when well placed during the closing stages.

"They tried to frustrate us and did that. We missed chances early and late in the game and we became nervous in front of goal," said the Arsenal manager.

"The attitude is very good among the players but in the final third we are not as efficient as we could be.

"Our passing is sometimes not incisive enough. Maybe the strikers are not alerted quickly enough.

"We were not quick or relaxed enough and, overall, it's difficult.

"Teams come here and play just one colossus up front and we have got to learn to cope with that."

Wenger, though, insists all is not yet lost as Arsenal seek to maintain their proud record of playing in Europe's elite competition each season for a decade.

"We are six points behind Villa, but there is still a long way to go. We are not sitting here with just three games left," said Wenger, whose side resume their European campaign at home to Roma on Tuesday night.

"Villa have difficult fixtures and we can come back. We also want to go as far as we can in the Champions League."

Arshavin was taken off just after the hour mark, the Russian still working on his match sharpness following a transfer deadline day move from Zenit St Petersburg.

It was almost a dream start for the diminutive midfielder when he picked up a stray pass from Andy Reid and charged towards the penalty area, before unleashing a low drive which flew inches wide.

Arshavin later forced a good save from the busy Marton Fulop with a fierce angled drive.

Wenger believes there is more to come from the 27-year-old playmaker.

"Arshavin showed in glimpses that he has talent and he will be a player," said the Arsenal manager.

"He has shown as well he is not ready physically, but that will come.

"You could see if he was more on the ball, he can affect the game.

"You feel something will happen in the final third when he has the ball and he could have scored two goals in the first half.

"I see him playing everywhere around the strikers."

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia admitted his side had been somewhat fortunate to come away with a point.

The visitors defended in numbers when needed but also had chances of their own, especially in the first half when Anton Ferdinand and captain Dean Whitehead got clear on the counter.

"We had a game plan but also we had a lot of luck, but sometimes you need that when you come to places like this," said Sbragia, his side now unbeaten in their last four Premier League games.

"They missed some chances and maybe were not clinical enough, perhaps a bit wild with their finishing, and on another day they could have won by four or five.

"Coming here we knew we would be under pressure, which is why we tried to frustrate them, but we also had some counter-attacks as well in the first half, so to come here and get a point, I am delighted."