Billy Beane, like Arsene Wenger, knows what it’s like to be at the sharp end of fans’ short-termism. But Mr Moneyball remains a fan and a disciple of the Arsenal manager

We should really have begun this series with the interview below, but we couldn’t get Chris Anderson on the line in time.

THEY say necessity is the mother of invention.

THERE was a time when the left tackle on an American football team was just another anonymous giant. Now they’re among the top earners on most NFL teams. Acclaimed author Michael Lewis found out why in a fascinating new book, but discovered an incredible story along the way. Michael Moynihan reports.