After last years near misses I was heading into the summer feeling good with the thought that the team would remain as a unit and that we could only come back stronger. I was shocked in how the club let Flamini, a key player and a revelation of the past year to go so easily. I thought if he wanted more money, give it to him as he was a crucial part of our team yet the club refused and he left. Totally avoidable and we lost a good CDM. Did we replace him? No as Wengers policies trusted a Carling Cup player of previous years to fill the void. I dont think we had the supposed 40 million but we probably had some form of money but we didnt use it. Another form of last years midfield was sold in Hleb afer he moaned. Another player of experience let go too easily (and cheaply) to another club of europe's elite. Hleb and Flamini had a chemistry with Fabregas and this year with Denilson and Walcott isnt the same. Walcott's improved due to Hlebs departure but with the latter leaving we're now bone thin in that area.
Long story short sold players with no replacements of equal or better value means cr@p.