It is so tight at the top in the Premier League at the moment, one poor result and you could tumble out of the top four in a hurry. So, what Arsenal cannot afford, when they play Sunderland at the Stadium on Light on Saturday, is another disappointing result.
The Gunners went into we-have-no-idea-how-to-score-today mode against Middlesbrough last weekend, and that cannot happen for a second straight Premier League game.
Sunderland, right now, are a team that look the easiest to play against, considering they have picked up just two points from nine matches and already find themselves five points adrift of safety. David Moyes has found it difficult to stop the rot at the club since taking over from Sam Allardyce, so this should be a game that Arsenal should be winning comfortably.
But then, Arsenal do not do comfortable – they are a team that like to make life difficult for themselves and when the pressure is on, they have been found out in the past. While it is still too early in the season to say, "drop three points and you could be in trouble in terms of the title race," looking at the fixtures that Arsenal have next month, this is a match that they must win.
"The pressure is on every week on everybody," Arsene Wenger said. "It is very tight at the top – two points difference between five teams – so every game, of course, becomes important.
"On the other hand, you have not to be fooled – you win the games when the performances are good, so let's focus on what is important, which is the quality of our performance.
"Last week we had 75 per cent of the ball and could not score so we know we need to use the ball better, in a more efficient way."
That efficient way could be by tweaking the personnel a little, but whatever Wenger decides, he will hope Arsenal regain their goalscoring touch in the Premier League.
Goalscoring is something that Jermain Defoe has made a living out of for several years and having saved Sunderland from relegation last season with his strikes, the Englishman will look to do it again this season. The former Spurs striker already has four goals to his name this season, but none of them have come of late, with Defoe currently on a five-hour goalless run.
Moyes has asked his players not to pump the long ball towards Defoe, a diminutive striker, so Sunderland's strategy on the counter could be a little different.
However, well Sunderland play, though, if Arsenal find their usual rhythm in front of goal, there will be only one result, and that is a result that Wenger needs.
Where to Watch Live
Sunderland vs Arsenal is scheduled for a 12.30pm BST (5pm IST, 7.30am ET) start. Live Streaming and TV information for the match is below.
India: TV: Star Sports 4 and Star Sports Select HD1. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports and Sky Go. Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live.
USA: TV: NBCSN, NBC Universo, Telemundo. Live Streaming: NBC Sports Live.
Canada: TV: TSN4, TSN5. Live Streaming: TSN TV.
Caribbean: TV: Flow Sports.
Hong Kong, China: TV: QQSports, LeTV, PPTV.
Malaysia: TV: Astro SuperSport3.
Singapore: TV: Eleven Plus.
Thailand, Indonesia, Middle East: TV: Bein Sports. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
Australia: TV: Optus Sport. Live Streaming: Optus Online.
France: TV: SFR Sport.
