Is Wenger stale or is it us?

[Xhaka Can’t]

Yes, I've thought about that too (ie the apparent mini slump at the end). Given the preceeding season that we had had, I think I'm inclined to give AW the benefit of the doubt in terms of the mental capability of his team - and acknowledge that the end of the season was more down to the fatigue of twice hauling ourselves back into contention; certain players - RVP in particular - running on empty; the absence of other players (Arteta/Mertesacker) key to the balance of our team...

I think the absence of Arteta was key. When he was out towards the end of the season, our defence seemed to cop a lot of flack for the ease with which pretty mediocre teams were able to score against us but I reckon the problem was in MF. I couldn't believe my eyes at home against Norwich - we were completely overrun in MF as if we had no one there. This resulted in the defence being under constant pressure the entire match.

[IBK]

I think the absence of Arteta was key. When he was out towards the end of the season, our defence seemed to cop a lot of flack for the ease with which pretty mediocre teams were able to score against us but I reckon the problem was in MF. I couldn't believe my eyes at home against Norwich - we were completely overrun in MF as if we had no one there. This resulted in the defence being under constant pressure the entire match.

Agreed - it was shocking how a limited team like Norwich ran through us like there was noone there...If you remember RVP missed a few sitters too - a sure sign of fatigue.

[Flavs]

I think the absence of Arteta was key. .

This, his presence in this team just cannot be underestimated