The fire fighting at Arsenal continues. Wenger is beginning to run out of cards to play. Making Cesc Fabregas captain is about his second last card, but that will not solve the real problems. Wenger has to face reality and like Gordon Brown go out in the market and reflate. Unlike Brown who doesn’t have the money for his exploits, Wenger does.

Arsenal started the season at least two players lite but now the list has grown. With an abundance of youthful talent at his disposal, the key word is experience. For once, Wenger needs to think short-term. Hot on his shopping priorities should be a strong, tall centre-half to replace Gallas and maybe possible transfer target Kolo Toure; a midfielder to replace Gilberto, Hleb and Flamini; and a new striker.

Remember Arsenal still have Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky to come back from injury. How would you like these three additions to the team? Matthew Upson, Gareth Barry and Lukas Podolski. Are there any other players you would prefer Wenger to go out and buy?