Abject Arsenal need touch of the unexpected

IF ever there was a moment which encapsulated the glum air of resignation which has gripped Arsenal, it came towards the end of his stalest of stalemates.

Arsene Wenger’s side had laboured desperately for 85 mind-numbing minutes when the fans, fed up with seeing attack after attack founder on West Ham’s claret and blue rocks, began streaming for the exits. Joining the fed-up throng were a father and his young son, who were half-way up the steps when their team were awarded a free-kick in a promising position deep inside West Ham territory.

The youngster duly began lagging behind to see if his side could snatch a late winner. “No, we’re leaving now,” came the stern response from Dad. “They won’t score.” He was right.