Sunderland vs Arsenal: 'We are close to 100 degrees,' says Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal have won only three Premier League matches this season

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal face Sunder;and on Saturday (Getty Images)

Arsène Wenger insists that Arsenal are just five per cent away from their best, as they travel to Sunderland today in pursuit of just their third Premier League win of the season.

It has been a difficult two months for Wenger’s side, who have been hit by injuries and are yet to put together a real run of wins. The midweek performance at Anderlecht was as poor as any this season, even though Arsenal won 2-1, but Wenger sounded an optimistic note yesterday.

“I think 95 per cent is there,” he said, when asked how far his team was from their full potential. “It is normal that after a World Cup, and we have new players. The main thing is there: the attitude, the quality. But the water boils at 100 degrees and not at 99, and we have to add that degree.

“I look at how we can be more efficient. That’s my only worry. If we are more efficient in 10 games’ time then we will be in a much better position.”

Per Mertesacker is likely to continue alongside Nacho Monreal at centre-back, with Wenger confirming Laurent Koscielny will not return before the international break. Theo Walcott is close to fitness but unlikely to play. Jack Wilshere is suspended.