in recent weeks. This doesn’t sit at all with me as a reason for that kind of defeat, especially as (a) Manchester United were missing their two primary centre-backs and their first-choice right-back and (b) the manager is the man who is responsible for instilling discipline in his side – three red cards in three Premier League matches rather speaks for itself as far as Arsenal are concerned. The fact that, in my view, Manchester United have played better than they did against Arsenal at points this season (that second half at Wembley against Manchester City in particular) only serves further to demonstrate the utter ineptitude of Arsenal’s performance in Manchester.

It is abundantly clear that, as far as the remainder of this season (and indeed at least nextAlthough still a young man (only 22) he clearly has the pedigree to perform at a high level, and will provide some steel at the back as well. With 24 Serbian caps earned already, he has experience which the majority of his potential Arsenal team-mates could only dream of – and again as a classy defender he will play the game the way Wenger expects. He can also provide the odd goal from a set-piece (if, god forbid, Arsenal feel like flinging one into the box).

Defensive midfield

The solution for Arsenal is obvious in this regard, yet very difficult all the same – they need a man who can replace Patrick Vieira. Whoever he may be, he has to protect that seemingly fragile back four, while also starting, and