Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left frustrated by his side's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City.
David Silva's goal at the Etihad Stadium saw the Gunners slump to their first loss since the beginning of October.
"We had the chances to score, we play to score goals and losing after such a good run is very hard to take," Wenger told Sky Sports News.
"I didn't want to lose the game, it was a vital game for us today.
"Our belief has to be intact because to lose a game like that is very frustrating for the players."
Arsenal, who stay fifth in the Premier League table, travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
