Arsene Wenger - remaining upbeatArsene Wenger insists there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful despite Arsenal's atrocious start to the Premiership season.
One point from their opening two games represents the Gunners' worst opening to a top- flight campaign in 14 years.
Although they do have a match in hand, Arsenal are already eight points adrift of early pacesetters Manchester United and with continuing uncertainty surrounding the futures of key duo Ashley Cole and Jose Antonio Reyes, there appears to be little immediate cause for optimism at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger though can see positive signs. And he has words of reassurance for those Arsenal fans wondering how their club can balance the £357million cost of their immaculate new home with maintaining a squad capable of mounting a plausible title threat.
"We have only played two matches," he said.
"We will come back into the race, don't worry.
"We always knew we could suffer a little bit after the World Cup, especially because we had to play the Champions League qualifiers.
"We have had a disappointing start but there is a lot of hope in the way we play and mentally, we have to be strong enough to push that through."
Wenger could legitimately point to bad luck at crucial times as a factor in his side's first defeat to City since 1991.
Thierry Henry was twice denied by Nicky Weaver's legs and also hit a post, Kolo Toure headed against the bar and Robin van Persie had a plausible penalty appeal turned down just before the break.
But that would be to ignore some glaring inadequacies, notably a lack of steel in midfield, new signing Tomas Rosicky's failure to make an impact and, worryingly, City's ability to exploit the weaknesses of Cole's current stand-in Justin Hoyte.
"When you are not as sharp as you should be, you see it most in the final third," continued Wenger.
"We have to recognise that physically, we are not ready yet.
"But I hope this defeat will not affect our belief and confidence. We just need to keep going. We will soon start winning these type of games."
At least by the time Arsenal turn out again - against Middlesbrough on September 9 - the immediate futures of Cole and Reyes will be resolved.
It could also be that Wenger has landed Argentina international Javier Mascherano from Corinthians to give some much-needed physical presence in midfield.
The Gunners were certainly outmanoeuvred by Joey Barton and Ousmane Dabo in that area of the pitch against City as the Blues emerged from their own tortuous week to belatedly put a smile on their own supporters' faces.
Barton was his usual energetic self, capping a fine performance by netting the decisive 41st-minute penalty.
He was not the only City hero though. Weaver was superb, while Sylvain Distin proved how important his decision to reject a move to Middlesbrough could be for the Blues with a towering display alongside equally impressive central-defensive partner, and his replacement as captain, Richard Dunne.
"The pair of them are colossal for us, in stature, ability and presence," said Pearce.
"I have worked with these boys for a number of years now, both as their manager and coach and still feel, as a pair, they can go a lot of improvement.
"Swapping the captaincy from one to the other has brought about more improvement and hopefully there is more to come."
Pearce will spend the week looking for a left-sided midfielder to balance his team, while also reintegrating Ben Thatcher into his squad.
The former Welsh international was advised by his manager to stay away for the Arsenal game and a disciplinary meeting later this week will determine the extent of the internal punishment for his outrageous challenge on Pedro Mendes.
But, one thing is for certain, Pearce is convinced it will never happen again.
"This has shaken Ben to the boots," said Pearce.
"He will accept any punishment coming to him; from the FA, the club or anyone else.
"Only time will tell whether he has learned his lesson or not. But I have looked him in the eye and I believe he has."
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