But over the years this strength has ironically been seen as their greatest weakness, and this week their captain has criticized not their playing style, but rather the playing styles of all the other teams in English football. Cesc Fabregas, speaking after their surprise 1-0 loss to Ipswich in the League Cup semi-final this week was scathing of the approach adopted by the home side and has admitted to his frustration at trying to play football against sides that put more emphasis on territory than on possession. 

"We just have to put the ball on the floor and try to play football. It was disappointing to lose because I think we were the much better team. Arsenal made the football, the other team refused to play football, they were lucky to score with a long ball," he said.

However, fans will still be left wondering how the club lost a game the football predictions indicated they would win easily.

Indeed, there are many Arsenal supporters who would happily see their side fight fire with fire and adopt a slightly more direct approach themselves at times, but Wenger has so far refused to compromise on his vision of perfect football, despite regular criticism that his side tend to try to walk the ball into the net rather than winning ugly. Although it would obviously be a shame to lose their trademark elegance, a wait of five season for a trophy does not suggest that the system is quite working and the football betting indicates they will face a battle to land silverware this term.

This weekend they face West Ham at Upton Park, and can be assured of a physical contest as Avram Grant's side struggle to escape relegation: whether or not they can resist the urge to try passing it through what will inevitably be a packed midfield remains to be seen and their title hopes may rest on their ability to evolve.