Gunners boss Mikel Arteta might have thought it was bad enough losing their first two games after the break - the second a particularly demoralising 2-1 defeat to Brighton - but things are going to get worse.
Bright Spark
If you look hard enough, if you squint your eyes and peer through the gloom that was the end of Unai Emery’s reign, you might see a bright spark hiding away.
Except, Bukayo Saka isn’t hiding anymore.
His performance in midfield on Saturday was highly promising, and the assist he registered was the ninth of his campaign. 31 appearances, three goals and nine assists in all competitions makes for an extremely encouraging debut campaign for Arsenal.
Not Hiding Anymore
But people are noticing.
One of those is his agent, who is making life tough for the North London top brass. They are allowing Saka to enter the final 12 months of his deal, and we’ve seen how this story goes from here.
In just six months time he’ll be able to speak to foreign sides, who will surely be keen to snap up a player of promise during these tricky times, while there’ll be a number of Premier League sides circling in the water.
Angry
Peter Crouch has already criticised the Arsenal board for letting it get to this stage, although maybe the speed of his development caught them by surprise?
Imagine if they let Saka walk in December. Arsenal Fan TV will burst into flames. Those sofas will become broiling pits of rage. Arteta won’t be able to poke his head above the parapet.
For the club, these contract delays are the cherry on top of a very foul tasting cake. Two losses in quick succession will have their manager pondering a whole range of issues, while their bright young talent looks to be on the verge of walking away for barely anything.