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Despite his poor form and his lack of playing time, there still seemed to be an acceptance that Walcott would be picked at national level. His finishing prowess, when given little time to think, has always been exceptional. His speed, with the exception of the port swilling, skittle flavoured vodka drinking Jamie Vardy was considered a precious commodity. Even his image rights seemed to be in line with England’s 3 Lions-respect the ref, kick-it out and Marks and Spencer’s school boy image. However, Theo spent the summer at home watching on as the England team suffered at the hands of the media and were plundered by the bearded Icelandic Vikings

Whilst the goals of Sanchez have temporarily relieved Wenger of any uncomfortable centre forward questions, resentment surrounding Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder intensifies as fans cast longing glances at the inclusion of Gundongan, Pogba and Kante at three of their closest rivals. Additionally, the two long range efforts that have found the back of the net in both of Xhaka’s previous outings have caused fans to question Wenger’s decision to leave the Swiss midfielder on the bench. Like a Donald Trump rally, it doesn’t take much in this current Wenger era to incite hatred or riot and it feels like both the PSG

What seems clear to me is the fact that most of our moves come from that left/central position. There is a little box of switching players and it is not just down to Walcott to move into those spaces but also Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi. It must be a nightmare for defenders to have to try and mark this rotating circle of attacking players all popping up in between the lines and then whoosh someone is running into the space that Alexis has left behind. This looks planned and choreographed to me. We got a hint of it last season when Welbeck came into the team with Iwobi and Alexis on the right and our attacking play improved considerably. It's the way Arsene wants to play football and it's probably why a player like Lucas Perez has been signed. A player who is comfortable in both positions on the flank and centrally. He can join the circle of fun. Maybe this is why we have seen little of Giroud so far this season

Despite the ‘young Schweinsteiger’ proclamation – it should be acknowledged that Xhaka almost resembles today’s German captain, with criticism regarding the midfielder’s mobility casting a modicum of doubt over his signing. Whilst the phrase deceptively quick has often been proffered for players in the past, Xhaka inverts such a claim and is slower and less agile than one would expect of a 23 year old. Partnering the young man with the shrewd Santi Cazorla could cook up a delicious blend of skilful footwork and calm possession – a partnership, albeit a lite version, not too dissimilar to that of Modric and Alonso at Real circa 2013. Such a partnership would create the fusion of creativity, steel and quick thinking that Wenger

It would have taken very little for Wenger to rouse the fan base this summer and give them a season to truly look forward to. It is potentially the last season Arsenal fans will enjoy/endure (delete as applicable) under Arsene Wenger; and whilst there can be no doubt that supporters have enjoyed tremendous success under the French manager, the club has grown stale under his management. There was enough potential within the club and the summer break to rouse the endorphins and feel-good temperament of the club’s followers. In fact, the signing of Xhaka and the attempted signing of Vardy hinted at a proactive Wenger, a change of strategy, as a more aggressive style of player was sought. Additionally, the simple action of getting business done early signalled a possible last hurrah for Monsieur Wenger. But optimism soon turned to satisfaction

If he turns it around I will be surprised and chuffed to bits because I do not understand the anger generated his way by Arsenal fans. The need for a scapegoat is one that I do not subscribe to myself. With Mathieu Flamini and amazingly Mikel Arteta gone from the club, I guess there needs to be a new poster boy, and Theo is in the right place at the right time for that role

Many Arsenal fans may have heard whispers of Iwobi’s talent, they may have seen him first hand playing for the under 21s, they may even have heard that he is the nephew of Bolton Wanderer’s hero Jay Jay Okocha. But few would have expected the young Nigerian to take his first team chance last season with such coolness. As Wenger lost Oxlade Chamberlain to injury and continued to lose faith in the somewhat bemused Joel Campbell, Iwobi was offered the chance to impress. And impress he did. Performances and output were both of a high standard and glimpses of a partnership with the unfortunate Danny Welbeck seemed to be growing

Koscielny was paired alongside both Rami and Umtiti throughout the tournament, with Umtiti looking the more suitable of the pair. The French debutant won an average of 3.2 aerial duels throughout the tournament compared to a solid but uninspiring 2 from the taller and more experienced Rami. Koscielny won a fairly impressive 2.9 aerial duels but where the Arsenal defender differs from his partners is that he made and attempted far more interceptions. That Koscielny attempted and made more interceptions will come as no surprise to Arsenal fans as it has become a signature move of his game; he frequently intercepts passes and attempts to play on