Elite three will be slow to start

THE MOST encouraging indicator for the pack chasing the Premiership’s “elite three” is that Arsenal, Man Utd and to a lesser extent, Liverpool, will hardly be in a position to blast off from the start for the new season.

The champions and double winners have lost the leadership and industry of Tony Adams and Lee Dixon, and the creativity in midfield of Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Gio van Bronckhorst. It may be November before Arsene Wenger’s side are properly functioning.

Man Utd’s predicament is arguably worse, particularly in defence, where stability is more precious than in any other sector.