The Arsenal sine curve took a major deep on Saturday after losing 5-0 to Manchester City at the Etihad. The international break couldn’t have come earlier for Arsenal and the fans.

The Gunners were battered black and blue by the Citizens of the Blue half of Manchester. Yes, it was aided by Xhaka’s first half red card but the Gunners didn’t put up a fight.

Oh, they did – for just the first five minutes of the game. In that 5 minutes, they looked like a serious side, determined to turn the tables around their richer opponent. Alas, it was all for naught as City’s first attack resulted in the first goal.

We are now at the stage where Arsenal need to do everything right to get a goal but need to do just one thing wrong to concede at the other end. The goals were laughable – to say the least. The 6-0 Carabao Cup win evaporated into thin air.

How do you start only one recognized Centre Half in a 3-5-2 formation against a Pep-led, money-buttered City side? What is Kolasinac doing in the back three when Mari is on the bench and Saliba is out there on loan in France? What kind of decisions are ongoing at Ashburton Grove?

Arsenal are currently rooted at the bottom of the table with no goal scored and 9 goals conceded. Their North London rivals sit at the top of the table with 3 wins from 3 and no goals conceded. What an irony? This is the worst start of a season in Arsenal’s history. What other record remains to be broken?

This international break may bring hope for the Gunners as it will give everyone enough time to reflect on the season so far and the games to come. I am not sure anyone expected 9 points from the first 3 league games this season but the manner of the losses makes it unacceptable.

The infamous 8-2 loss wasn’t as flat as this 5-0 loss to City. The Gunners then had about 13 first team players out and still had shots on target. On Saturday, Arsenal were only hoping for an error from Ederson to have a chance.

With the transfer window almost shut, it is unlikely Arsenal will have that signing that will lift the morale of the players and the fans. Chelsea & Manchester Utd are brimming with pride with the return of Lukaku & Ronaldo. Our expectations will be dropped to a historical low. As at today we are fighting for relegation. Finishing in the top 10 will be a miracle for this Arteta-led, Edu-sanctioned Arsenal.

The troubles of North London isn’t over. With uncertainties over the transfer of players in the team, it is unclear what Arteta and Arsenal want to achieve this season. There will be no European football distractions. There will be no excuses. All or Nothing. Sigh.

Up Next – World Cup qualifiers with Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Arsenal can take a break for now.

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