I don't know if today's match brought the move closer or left it out there in limbo because Arsenal does not appear to be a rational organisation run by rational human beings. As Neville said, how could Mustafi not get into that back three - and yet there he sat on the bench, with a face like thunder for 90 minutes! What is going on there?
And then in central midfield they had Ramsey and Xhaka - both of whom go into the final year of their contract next summer - alongside three players who are refusing to renew and are in the last year of their contract. Up front is Welbeck - who also enters the last year of his contract next summer.
To Wenger this is the ideal state of affairs to get the best out of players: what we saw was a rag bag of players with little commitment to the cause and precious little professional pride turn in a truly dismal performance . Now, what does the club do? The logical answer would appear to be to solve the problem of what appears to be at best a largely disinterested group by selling the most disaffected - notably Sanchez - but Wenger appears to be firmly rooted in this dream world where the players are busting a gut to earn a new contract.
Time for Silent Stan to open his mouth and make himself heard. And make sure you speak from the heart, Stan - it's right under where you keep your wallet.
