MARTIN O’Neill has suggested that fatigue could hamper Arsenal when they return to the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup this weekend.

Sunderland looked set to take a point off Arsene Wenger’s side on Saturday after James McClean’s strike had been cancelled out by Aaron Ramsey’s equaliser.

The Black Cats’ defence performed solidly throughout, including keeping Arsenal dangerman Robin van Persie quiet.

However, as the game approached injury time, the backline went to sleep to allow visiting supersub Thierry Henry a free close-range volley, which left home keeper Simon Mignolet with no chance.

O’Neill hinted that fatigue from the previous Wednesday’s cup replay at Middlesbrough had perhaps played its part.

However, he believes that the Gunners could suffer some post-midweek blues of their own, their FA Cup return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday coming three days after a difficult Champions League tie away to AC Milan.

The Black Cats boss said: “I thought we didn’t deserve to lose the game. It was a big effort by the team.It wasn’t a great goal to concede from our point of view.

“James McClean took his goal well and was splendid. He works tirelessly for us taking top-quality players on. Where he gets the energy from I do not know.

“When you get to that stage of the game we were very tired.

“I know that from the extra-time.

“Perhaps the positions will be reversed next week when they play midweek and we get a rest.

“I have no complaints about the team. The last couple of months their heart and soul have gone into the game. Henry shouldn’t be

able to score from two yards out from a lob into our area. But we can draw breath now. I have no criticism of the team.

“The boys just need a bit of energy again which we will get in the week, and we will get it back for next week.

“It is genuinely disappointing to lose. If you are not going to win it in the end, do not lose it.”

O’Neill was also disappointed that his side were denied a clear-cut penalty by referee Neil Swarbrick when in the first half, Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker slipped, leading to his outstretched hand striking the ball.

He added: “It looks a penalty. I have seen it back and most occasions the referee would have given it. He chose to ignore it.”

O’Neill reserved special praise for veteran Henry who even at the ripe age of 34 still showed he has enough in the locker to win games for Arsenal.

“He is one of the greats without question,” continued O’Neill. “His impact on the Premier League has been fantastic. He has won everything with Arsenal. He’s had massive impact on the game and had a glorious time here. He doesn’t have the same pace as he used to, but he is still a very fine player.

“I didn’t know that (Sunderland fans clapped Henry when he came off the bench). That is great to see him appreciated. He has been a great player – no question. To me one of the top five who have played since Premier League began.

“He is 34 now. Didn’t Ryan Giggs just sign a new one-year contract.? And look at (Paul) Scholes, even older again.

“You wouldn’t be surprised if Henry comes back again.”