Arsene Wenger is one man that is clearly splitting opinion in and around the Emirates. The Frenchman once walked on water around these parts but six years without a major trophy has seen patience tested to the ultimate limit, with few willing to sit back and accept the excuses anymore. It could have been a whole different summer for the Frenchman had his charges not failed to show up at Wembley back in February. The problem with unrest at a football club is that causes people to panic and I truly believe that is what happened by Arsene on deadline day.

I have to say Arsenal’s activity completely baffled me if I am honest. Of course the signing of Per Mertesaker was superb and much needed, but can the same be said of the rest of the additions? The loss of Fabregas and Nasri was obviously a problem hole to fill, but is Benayoun and the injury prone Arteta really the answer? Wenger must have known that he was set to lose the duo months previous which makes the decision to replace them in the last hours of the transfer window all the more confusing – knee jerk reaction to their 8-2 trouncing perhaps, I mean it wasn’t as if these players were readily available to sign at any point this summer.

Looking at some of the Arsenal blogs there does appear to be optimism in their transfer dealings. I often wonder if that is more to the delight of seeing new faces and seeing Wenger spend some money, rather than thinking they will actually improve the current team. Mikel Arteta has masses of ability, but let’s be honest he isn’t in the same league as the two departed. It also begs the question that with this obvious optimism among supporters as to whether this will buy Wenger more time to bring success to the Emirates? I am sure the answer to this question in most cases will be no, but surely you can’t expect all the new signings to hit the ground running?

Wenger has been in the game long enough to realise that he is under pressure to deliver silverware therefore why didn’t he look to have his new look squad ready weeks before the season started? Could it actually be, as I truly believe, that Wenger felt the likes of Ramsey and Rosicky would be able to fill in with ease this season and their unconvincing start forced his hand? There just doesn’t appear to be any other logic behind the delay in strengthening this squad, given the amount of money they received with the sales of Fabregas and Nasri alone. Delaying his purchases until the last knockings has done nothing but put Arsenal back this season as they are completely underprepared for the rigours ahead. Wenger is certainly not the first manager and won’t be the last to react to pressure, I just wonder if the poor preparation and subsequent panic buying may have taken his Arsenal side back further.