Premier League Weekly: Are Arsenal already regretting Arsene Wenger's decision to stay?

Arsene Wenger (David Rogers/Getty Images)

SO after the first international break of the season, the Premier League returns with an appetising Saturday programme.

In this edition of PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKLY, we look at the same old problems at Arsenal, Chelsea’s new boy back on his old stomping ground and the clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.

Are Arsenal already regretting Arsene Wenger’s decision to stay?

THE season is only three games old, but already the dark clouds of dissent are hovering over the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have lost two of their three games at Stoke and Liverpool, but it was the manner of defeat at Anfield that drew the wrath of fans, former players and pundits. Liverpool played incredibly well but they could so easily have won by more than the 4-0 scoreline. But it has led to the same familiar questions about Arsene Wenger and his suitability to remain as the Gunners’ manager.

The transfer window has now ended. Alexis Sanchez has remained, despite Manchester City’s attempts to entice him away, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has headed up to Liverpool. It was messy and shambolic and not fitting of a club of Arsenal’s stature. But following on from the back of the Liverpool lesson, it did not paint Wenger in a good light. Now as they prepare to face Bournemouth at home, discontent could spread around the stands with the season barely in autumn, let alone winter.

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez (Adam Davy/PA Wire) — Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Perhaps the overriding feeling is that just over three months have passed since Arsenal won the FA Cup at Wembley, turning in an excellent performance against Chelsea. It was a record seventh cup success for Wenger, and arguably the right time to call it a day – as a winner. Sport does not often present the ideal time for departure but the Frenchman had the ideal moment, but he decided to carry on. Isn’t the secret to go when people want more than when they’re sick of you?

The comparison with Brian Clough seems a striking one here. Clough too, was ahead of the game in his time at Derby and Nottingham Forest. But time caught up with him at Forest and he just stayed around that bit too long at the City Ground. His decision making in the final season was poor as he sold Des Walker and Teddy Sheringham and did not replace them and it ended with Forest being relegated. It was not the right way for the two-time European Cup winner to exit, but it was the hand that fate had dealt. It is perhaps a lesson that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger may come to reflect upon this season.

Manchester City v Liverpool – who will finish higher?

BOTH sides start the day two points behind leaders Manchester United. Something will have to give at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow lunchtime. But regardless of the outcome on this occasion, will Pep Guardiola’s City or Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool finish higher in the Premier League next May?

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Player of the Day

DANNY DRINKWATER will make his Chelsea debut tomorrow after his £35 million 11^th hour deadline-day move. And the opponents? His old club Leicester City, at his old stomping ground of the King Power Stadium. The timing may be unfortunate for Drinkwater, but it’s perfect timing to throw light on some of the inadequacies of the transfer system.

Yesterday, it was revealed that Premier League clubs had voted to introduce a new deadline on signing players that will kick in two days before the start of next season. In that case, there will not be the frantic horse-trading of the last few days of the transfer window when the action has already started.

Drinkwater has not played a minute for Leicester, so the Foxes were deprived of a key asset for three matches. Chelsea were unable to bring in a player they have wanted all summer and maybe could have done with when they were losing at home to Burnley on the opening day. Finally when the Champions stumped up that extra bit of cash on August 31, the player was theirs. Leicester desperately tried to bring in a replacement – Sporting Lisbon’s Adrien Silva – but they missed the deadline and FIFA have ruled that Silva is ineligible until January.

For the sake of a few million pounds and a deal that could have been completely calmly in mid-summer, both clubs missed out. Leicester are unlucky with Silva, but they are the fall-guys for the whole of the Premier League and their misguided attitudes towards the transfer market. As for Drinkwater, it’s the Champions League and winning back his place in the England squad as he begins his capital adventure.

Stat of the Day

3 – IT is well documented that Harry Kane has never scored a Premier League goal in August. But the Tottenham and England striker isn’t the greatest fan of September either, with just three of his 78 goals coming in this month.