Arsenal have hit a slight bump in the road when it comes to their hopes in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners travelled to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, where they had a tough match in store against some familiar faces.
In the end, Arsenal had to settle for a draw with Sunderland, as a last-minute equaliser dashed hopes of a perfect winning run heading into the international break.
It put a dampener on an otherwise incredible run for the side, but also proved Pep Guardiola right about one Premier League title claim.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesPep Guardiola was proven instantly right about when the Premier League title is won
Arsenal are dreaming of a Premier League title, and given their recent run of form and the gap at the top of the table, they cannot be blamed for doing so.
However, the draw with Sunderland brought back a healthy dose of reality, with plenty of games still ahead of the side.
The likes of Liverpool and Manchester City will be there to capitalise on any mistake made in the coming months, as they circle another title challenge.
As a result of the draw, Pep Guardiola’s recent claims ring very true, after he said in midweek: “If they [Arsenal] continue in that way and don’t concede goals, it will be almost impossible [to win the title], but you always expect you will be better and they will drop points.
“It is exceptional what they are doing for two or three seasons. It looks like every time it is closer and closer, but we are in early November, and you cannot win the title. You can lose it, but you cannot win it.”
As someone who has been there and done it many times, Guardiola knows exactly what it takes to win and lose a title.
As such, Arsenal cannot get too high from their recent winning run and too low from such a cruel draw.
Now they have two weeks to reassess and go again.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesArsenal’s tough run of fixtures after the international break
With a two-week break now here, Arsenal are hopeful of some injury returns that could lighten the load of the remaining squad members.
It won’t be an easy run of games to come back to, however, with three particularly tricky ties awaiting them.
A North London Derby sets the scene for a Champions League tie with old foes Bayern Munich and a London derby with rivals Chelsea.
Brentford and Aston Villa then await in another three-game week, which will truly put the Gunners to the test.
If they can get through that period unscathed, then perhaps the team will be in an ideal position for the title.
However, it shows just how quickly things could change unless Arsenal continue to play at top gear.