Both Ajax’s goals in the Amsterdam Tournament against Arsenal last night were the result of William Gallas letting the scorers go. He was marking them on each occasion, watched as his colleagues headed the ball away from goal, but was yards off the recipient – each time his man – when the knockdown was returned with interest past Manuel Almunia.

Very basic defensive errors. We are still in pre-season, but within a week, a key part of the Gunners’ season is at stake. On one level, there’s little point in picking the bones out of warm up matches, but the game against Ajax was significant because it is an obvious rehearsal for the first leg against FC Twente next Wednesday.

What came out of the game is that little has changed from last season. Adebayor will miss sitters but still score if he keeps getting chances. A lot of crossing opportunities are wasted (boy do Arsenal suffer from the lack of a decent old fashioned winger). The defence will leak avoidable goals.

For once, Arsenal were fortunate with the officiating. Two of their goals could easily have been ruled out. The performance though was what mattered. The evidence of last night confirms that they should have enough to eliminate FC Twente, although there can be no room whatsoever for complacency.

Denilson contributed hugely to two of the goals, and was tidy if unspectacular. Is he the player to partner Fabregas? Given Diaby’s semi-permanent status on the injured list, then you’d have to conclude it’s going to be either him or Alex Song, unless Wenger gets busy in the transfer market. Is either going to form part of a combination that is going to win things at the end of May? It’s unlikely. And that’s ignoring the reality that there is no way Fabregas will be able to play every match in the two competitions that matter to the manager given his extended involvement in the Euros.

Everything might click by next week. But in the matches against the very best sides that Arsenal need to get results in to win trophies, errors like those made last night will cost dear. Arsenal will more often that not score goals. And they can all too often concede them. Defensively, they have to up their game. Have they the personnel to do that? Wenger won’t admit it, but he must know the truth after last night, friendly or not, because the errors made were seen all too often last season.

He has money to spend. Maybe he wants the security of qualification for the Champions League group stage before spending it. Who knows? There is a consensus amongst the fans that two experienced players are required – a centre back and a central midfielder. Ajax was only a warm-up game, but it confirmed that Wenger’s faith in his players is a leap of faith too far. That one of those who was found lacking was his most experienced outfield player and supposed leader on the pitch was particularly alarming.

The comeback was encouraging, but the chinks in the armour need addressing if Arsenal are to improve on last season. Chequebook time is imminent. It has to be.