Sunderland 1 Liverpool 0

WHEN YOU face a two-week period that could define your season, it is hardly the best start to be completely outplayed by one of your principal rivals, barely test the opposition goalkeeper and see both your defensive linchpin and principal striker come off injured.

THE Carling Cup’s primary purpose might sometimes appear to be to clutter up an already crowded fixture list, but for the time being Arsenal are relishing the inconvenience.