When decisions come home to roost

The atmosphere in the stadium was tense and quiet as Arsenal trudged off the field. They had lost to their perennial rivals Manchester United on penalties after a very one-sided but ultimately frustrating game. The summer transfer decisions are coming home to roost, and roost they most certainly are.

As they returned to the changing room, the fans could feel their team's disappointment. The missed opportunities and lack of cohesion on the field were evident throughout the match, leaving many wondering if changes needed to be made to the squad.

As the post-game analysis began, it was clear that Arsenal had a long road ahead if they wanted to compete at the highest level for the rest of this season.

The current question is very much: Where are the goals coming from?

Chances are there for the taking, but sadly, Arsenal has no one ready to take them. When Havertz missed from three yards yesterday, many knew the game was up.

I don't think the answer to the problem is "just buy a striker." Yes, Arsenal needs one, but the xG they are creating in games is very respectable. It seems like the players are not capitalising on the opportunities presented, and the threat up front is limited.

When big teams have arrived at the Emirates in past seasons, teams like Bayern have presented two or three real threats up front. Arsenal have Havertz and Martinelli, and as much as I cheer those two on to bigger and better things, they aren't that scary a duo.

Saka is the one player other teams fear, and when he is not there, we look very average going forward.

So, what is the answer to Arsenal's issues?

Is it time for Arsenal to change its managerial approach and move on from Arteta ball towards someone who can take them to the next level? Well, in my opinion, that time has not come yet. The team's position when Mikel arrived and its current position are light years apart.

The grass is not always greener managerially; just ask West Ham, but Arteta is in danger of ruining a decent legacy position if things do not get done in the summer.

From a supporter’s perspective, next year is the final year of the Arsenal rebuild program. You can't charge top-level prices for tickets and provide second-level results year on year. Not winning a trophy this year will be the final straw for Arteta Ball as he enters his sixth season.

Arsenal needs to back him, and he needs to put his foot firmly down when it comes to buying a forward line. Yes, we are not talking about one player, and if anyone thinks it's a centre forward and a winger to complete the picture, they are massively deluded in their thinking.

Partey will be moving on, and Arteta needs to replace him with someone of equal skill and ability. Trossard has refused a new contract on terms outlined to him, so he will be another expected leaver. Georginho will also be looking at the door along with Tierney and the obvious loss of Sterling back to Chelsea.

That's five players who will definitely depart, with one more who may surprise us.

What's the answer, and what will it cost to fix?

A striker and a decent winger will probably cost £175 million, and two or three smaller transfers to bolster the squad will mean Arsenal will have to part with about £250-£300 million to be the Champions League contender the fans want them to be.

The sale of players is not going to raise much, so the question we are really asking is, will Arsenal spend that sort of money, or will they do what they are renowned for and break even by limiting the outlay to £125-150 million maximum?

I can't see Arsenal spending big on multiple players, a striker. Yes, I can see that because it's blatantly obvious, but to buy a forward line won't be happening because this board is back where they want to be, in the Champions League, ticking along, making a tidy profit, and building a merchandising machine on the back of Premier League TV money.

The issue will be, "Is that enough for Arteta and the fan base?"