Guns Without Ammo?

I'm not going to suggest for one moment that the sale of Freddie Ljungberg to West Ham is a devastating blow to Arsenal. The Swede was a great servant to the Gunners but injuries have limited his impact in recent years, reducing him to just a squad player last season. But his sale is the latest in a list of high profile departures from North London.

Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry and now Ljungberg. All cornerstones of that great undefeated team of 2003/04. All were symbols of Arsenal. All are now gone.

And of course, what could be more of a symbol of Arsenal than Highbury? One of the most unique grounds in the world, a stadium that had so much history, and not just on the pitch but in popular culture too. It is now a pile of rubble.

Of course players get older. It is understandable how some of those 'invincibles' mentioned above have moved on, but they simply haven't been replaced. If they are not soon, then the Gunners face falling further behind last year's top three and, horror of horrors, being overtaken by Spurs.

Off the pitch too, Arsenal appear to be reluctant to change their ways. Big money takeovers have become the norm. Chelsea started the trend and blazed a trail in the Premiership, Manchester United realised they needed to act and enjoyed deserved success last season, Liverpool have accepted the need for change and the signs are looking good for the Reds to finally enjoy a prolonged Premiership challenge this coming campaign.

Ironically, given their cosmopolitan line-up on the field, Arsenal appear to be very stiff upper lipped in their actions off it. Recent takeover rumours have been dismissed by the club out of hand. 'Foreign money' doesn't seem welcome. Should they rethink their actions? That may depend on how far adrift they are from the top of the table come Christmas.

In Kolo Toure, Gilberto Silva, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas the Gunners have undeniable talent, and a genius of a manager in Arsene Wenger to control them. But with the loss of Henry, and the lack of big name replacements, Gunners fans are going into this season with less optimism than they've had for ages.

Like the student going on a gap year before university; Arsenal might need 12 months to 'find themselves.' They play in a stadium that they're still getting used to, with players who, Gilberto aside, lack obvious leadership.

Of course Wenger has a habit of proving people wrong. He might yet do so. If there's one man who can lead his current crop of players to success it's him.

But it just doesn't seem likely. Wenger has brought so many good things to English football. He needs his board to act quickly to insure his final act isn't a tragedy.