Sunderland manager David Moyes felt the scoreline was harsh on his side after Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the lead, but the Black Cats hauled themselves level through a Jermain Defoe penalty, before a brace from Olivier Giroud and another Sanchez strike killed the game.
"I think it was tough and I certainly don't think we deserved to lose 4-1," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We worked hard, really hard to stay in the game first half when Arsenal were very good.
"We stuck at it and I thought we grew into the game second half. And at that point I thought we were the better team when we got back into the game at one each. But their quality all over the pitch is always going to cause you a problem. The minute they open you up then they've got that chance of scoring.
"I think our defending was poor at times. I think it was more disappointing, our defending of crosses. We lose the first one to a cross, we lose the second one to a cross.
"Arsenal can score some great goals but when it's down to crosses you hope that you'll defend well and deal with that.
"We frustrated Arsenal and I think the time when we got the goal we were the better team. We warranted a goal and we looked more likely to score a goal than at any time during the game. So you hope from that you kick on and win it if you can. But at least come away with a point."
The 4-1 defeat condemns Sunderland to the worst-ever start to a Premier League season after 10 games.
However, Moyes is confident that once injured players return to fitness it will give the club a boost as they look to climb the Premier League table.
"Once we get one or two of the injured players back that will give me a few more options," Moyes added. "We were quite limited today to what we could do and the changes we could make so hopefully we get a few of those players back and that will give us a better chance, different selections and different formations as well.
"The message is the players are giving everything they can. You can see that today. It wasn't for the lack of effort or the lack of trying. They played against a team with good quality."