They bring in a new fitness coach, embrace analytics in an attempt to modernise their scouting department and hint at enhanced ambition in the transfer market every summer. They no longer lose their best players to richer rivals. Every now and then, they produce a statement victory that suggests the grand project is approaching a golden conclusion and greatness beckons. But for all the little tweaks and fine-tuning, nothing much of any major significance changes at Arsenal.
Examining this pattern of underachievement, there is one constant. Easy though it is to point the finger of blame at the manager when a team fail to realise their potential, it is Arsène Wenger who sets the tone at Arsenal, Arsène Wenger whose word is law and Arsène Wenger who has overseen 13 years of flattering to deceive.
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