Arsenal's Anfield humiliation evokes painful memories of 8-2 Manchester United mauling for Arsene Wenger

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James Benge27 August 2017

Almost six years to the day after Arsene Wenger’s 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United came a result almost as perturbing.

The 4-0 loss at Anfield might not have quite the same scoreboard drama, but Arsenal were no better on Sunday than they had been on August 28, 2011. Mohamed Salah alone could have scored the goals to double Liverpool’s haul.

Arsene Wenger’s worry should be that this time he can’t even point to having had his squad torn asunder.

Arsenal had just lost Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Armand Traoare and Carl Jenkinson were pressed into action at full-back.

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Today Wenger had a near full complement of first-teamers to choose from. Only Alex Iwobi and, of course, Santi Cazorla were unavailable to him.

It makes the manager’s starting line-up all the more inexcusable. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was kept in the side even though Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis cannot convince him to sign a new contract.

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Arsenal’s desperation to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain meant Hector Bellerin, a player with every natural attribute to star at right wing-back, was shuffled on to the opposite flank.

The imposing Sead Kolasinac, the man acquired to play as a left wing-back, was benched. He wasn’t the only experienced international Wenger could have turned to.

Nacho Monreal: Kieran Gibbs; surely they are superior options to playing two players out of position?

Notably when both were restored to their natural positions - Bellerin at right-back and Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wing - Arsenal briefly threatened.

Kolasinac and fellow summer arrival Alexandre Lacazette were on the bench. Shkodran Mustafi, heavily linked with Inter Milan, joined them. Lucas Perez has been shown the door.

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Arsenal’s last four major signings - £105million of investment - managed just 29 minutes and 21 touches in defeat.

The problems that engulf Arsenal, most significantly a culture that seemingly accepts mediocrity, cannot be immediately solved in the transfer market, but for now several quick fixes are required.

Ramsey’s withdrawal after 45 minutes is evidence that he simply isn’t good enough to play in a two-man midfield against one of Arsenal’s nominal rivals. Granit Xhaka requires a reliable partner; someone who won’t shuffle off out of sight from a goal kick.

Similarly Wenger should not be looking to move on Mustafi, a more than capable defender, but rather supplement his defence.

The mood music coming out of the Emirates would suggest nothing of the sort. Wenger remains focused on trimming a squad of 30, with Chuba Akpom, Gibbs and Lucas likely to move on before the deadline.

Wenger’s changes must go deeper. Just as in 2011, this is a side chronically short of leadership and character.

Mesut Ozil and in particular Alexis Sanchez can bemoan their team-mates like few others in world football, yet neither seem interested in setting a purposeful tone for the rest of the Arsenal side.

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Indeed it seems more likely that the never-ending frustration of the attacking superstars defines Arsenal’s meek on-field performances.

Six years ago, Wenger found the players who would change the atmosphere of a club reeling from the loss of their two best players.

Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta would define the Arsenal dressing room to this day; it seems bizarre that the former is once more seeing minimal game time despite his importance in setting the tenor around the club.

Wenger needs at least two new players like that veteran duo, an injection of experience and personality.

It would be wise, though, if Arsenal fans did not get their hopes up. Speaking in his two-and-a-half minute press conference, Wenger said of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future: “I can’t answer a question like that after today’s game.

“We are focused on the game and I don’t know what will happen over the next few days in the transfer market.”

The same went for Mustafi.

Unfortunately for Arsenal there is no time to postpone the debate. Four days from now the transfer window slams shut.

Stan Kroenke, who handed Wenger that two-year contract a few months ago, evidently believes that he has the right man to conduct the rebuild everyone at Arsenal acknowledged was required.

In Pictures | Arsene Wenger's 22 years at Arsenal

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Twenty-one years of history would suggest Wenger can always be relied on to right the sinking ship.

But if his team selection at Anfield is anything to go on, it is reasonable to ask whether this may be too much for the 67-year-old.

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