Even without contemplating recent goings-on in the boardroom, Arsenal's fortunes of late have a way of leaving any keen observer scratching their heads as they wonder after the team's inconsistency.

A resolute and fine victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's men demonstrated solid central defending by Gallas and Silvestre until Rafael's neat strike, that notably coincided with Song replacing Walcott, followed by defeats to Stoke, the other Manchester, Aston Villa and a draw to Middlesbrough plus losing to Burnley; not to mention stripping Gallas of the captaincy and booing an off-form Eboué to the point he leaves the pitch in tears, quite frankly, are all quite puzzling

Only Van Persie's inspiration against Chelsea provides Arsenal supporters with any joy.

First, supporters paying up to a grand or more a year to see their team that arguably should have achieved the double last season in place of Manchester United, the Carling Cup the previous season and, before then of course, the Champions League, are understandably almost baying for blood in their thirst for success.

Moreover, consistent evidence that there can be success appears elusive as points slip away.

So, what has happened?

Arsène Wenger must be to blame for some of the problems. His inability to name a reasonably constant first 11 and using seemingly disruptive tactical substitutions, for example bringing on Adebayor for Diaby against Aston Villa when Bendtner would have been a better target to rejoin the bench, are almost worthy of the 'Tinkerman' criticisms Ranieri earned at Chelsea.

Secondly, playing a mix of Diaby, Denilson and Song in the starting 11 just doesn't make it. Diaby by and large has played well and with a good work-rate but remains ineffective. The jury has to be split on Song and Denilson is technically very good, a team player and usually puts in a prodigious work rate though whether Wenger knows his best position is unclear.

And perhaps that is at the heart of the problem. In developing a team where everyone is technically excellent and adept for the pass and move total football that drives Arsenal's coach, you end up with confusion.

Too much team focus could appear to weaken the endeavours of some of the Arsenal team when the ball is in the opposing team's possession. Denilson in the central midfield position has often not understood the need to track back to reclaim the ball.

And too often the ball is run through midfield - Touré for example - when passing to the wing early is the better option. The exception to this rule should be Nasri when fit again. His running at opponents is breath-taking and effective albeit referee's seem unable to punish the constant fouls against him effectively.

Against Middlesbrough, it was telling how Arsenal's early success saw the team use their width and, once Diaby failed to put the team 2-0 up and they instead conceded, their wing-play pretty much diminished.

Against Wigan the team's shape often resembled a ragged vertical line down the pitch, not a team that knew where and to whom it should be passing.

Earlier this season, there were clear signs the players enjoyed their football, the relatively crushing victories over such teams as Newcastle and prior to the Hull defeat. They pulled themselves back up but the Spurs comeback seemed to knock some wind out of them and save a concentrated 90 minutes against Chelsea, they have not breathed deeply enough nor at the same time since.

Playing Bendtner in place of Simpson at Burnley denied the reserve team player the opportunity further to blossom in the competition and he may now need to wait for the FA Cup. It would be surprising if Wenger were to treat the FA Cup as a major trophy this season and I would expect him to use much of the Carling Cup team.

Bendtner must surely know that failure to impress over the Christmas period could see him finish the season outside the Emirates. His finishing has epitomised the team's failures this season. Many Arsenal supporters must be asking why Vela doesn't start more matches.

Judged by work rate, only a relative handful or so deserve their starting places: Fabregas, Clichy, Denilson, Sagna, Van Persie, Adebayor (usually) and probably Nasri once Wenger knows how to play him to his maximum effect. A fit Walcott and Carlos Vela who does work hard and enjoys playing his football should also be there.

Add in Almunia and that leaves a spot for one other player - and so far there are no centre-backs so far listed. Perhaps attack is Arsenal's best form of defence in any case.

Gallas by and large played well with Silvestre in defence and was a little unlucky against Villa. Reduced to 10-men with Sagna treated for injury, Gallas was found wanting in covering the right-back spot. The art of defending is to force the opponent to take the outside where you jockey him until the ball runs out of play or you catch the player in possession.

Clearly Gallas allowed Agbonlahor to choose his own route. For the second goal, the long-hoof ball that bounced over his head in midfield when the referee should have awarded Vela a free-kick, not let play to continue, found Gallas wanting as much as Senderos was against Drogba, except Gallas' experience should know when to make a lunging tackle outside of the penalty box.