• ARSENAL’S problems have got progressively worse with the duration of Wenger’s appointment. In that time, players have become more and more isolated from the real world. Players live in a bubble with absolutely no appreciation of the expectations of what it is to be a player representing Arsenal FC.

Players do not meet the multitude of fans who have saved to buy the latest kits for their children and, if they are lucky, a season ticket. If they are not able to go to the match, the nearest they get to the players is on Match of the Day.

It says something when fans in, say, Tokyo are more likely to see the players when they pass through on a financially lucrative tour than children in Islington schools.

During Wenger’s period in office, first-team player visits to hospitals, youth clubs and schools have almost become non-existent. The effect on the players is that they become almost completely ignorant of their potential social contribution. To the players, Arsenal FC simply becomes a source of income – no further commitment required.

But presumably everybody, including Arsenal players, has a boredom threshold playing Xbox, getting new tattoos and modelling Arsenal’s new kit. This shows through in their commitment on the pitch.

Wenger might have been feted by certain sections of the community, but the negative impact of what are ultimately his decisions about the extra-mural activities of Arsenal players in the community will not be missed.

Just don’t get me started on the negative impact of Stan Kroenke and Ivan Gazidis.

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