I fear we are seeing a side that is close to a World War 1 brigade having massive casualties, no reinforcements, running low on ammo and being shelled non stop…often by their own side. “Friendly” fire it’s called. Just as damaging as hostile fire. The result? Combat stress reaction: The most common symptoms are fatigue, slower reaction times, indecision, disconnection from one’s surroundings, and inability to prioritize. Recognise the symptoms?

When the rules of football (warfare) are also being ignored, it's hard to be too critical. That criticism is called for is almost a side issue.

It was perhaps a sign of things to come when Theo made a good run and squared to Vela who somehow mised an open goal. Following that both of them disappeared from sight. Just maybe, both could disappear from Arsenal in the summer. Theo has proved time after time that he is not really a winger. Either he goes into the middle, from where he's scored the vast majority of his goals, and proves himself ...or he must go. Having 2 minutes of good interspersed with 88 minutes of apathy on the wing is not a recipe for success.

It's unfair just to pick on Theo. There were quite a few disappearing acts last night. Well maybe not disappearing, just lethargic. Absence of 'zip' most apparent. Diaby, Arshevin, when he came on, and Sami seemed content to stroll. Only Eboue seemed to want to make any effort and surprisingly he was substituted. Sol and Silvestre were showing their age and without Alex to do some protecting, they both looked vulnerable. Indeed Fabianski more than once had to save their blushes. Of course Fabianski is getting all the blame for the two goals. I'm not sure that that is justified. Sure his confidence is down; yes he should be more dominant in his area and not give a continental who he knocks out of his way but when you are not being protected against blatant obstruction/pushing and shoving, and there, I thought that Atkinson missed more than a few, life is hard for a keeper.

The penalty that RvP should have had of course is neither here nor there. We allowed ourselves to get beaten by a bag of bones that shouldn't be gracing the same pitch. My one other disappointment was that Blackburn didn't put on young Jones until late. He's impressed when I've seen him. Maybe the Walrus decided that too much exposure to AW might result in a quick transfer.