The Massacre at Old Trafford

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I'm in a foul mood following Manchester United's filleting of Arsenal 8-2 at Old Trafford today. Yes, Verhaeven, Frimpong, Gervinho and others were out, severely exposing the inadequacies of our youthful defense and utter incompetence of the depleted midfield. Yet still, Man U's average age of their starting eleven was just slightly higher than the Gunners', and the combination of Rooney, Nani, Park, et al completely eviscerated an Arsenal side that gave up in about the 60th minute. Another lapse in discipline leading to another red card (Jenkinson), and leaving Arsenal dead last in the Premier League in goal differential (-8), one place above relegation status, and dead last in Fair Play.

I'm of mixed feeling on whether to call for Wenger's head or not, but what's glaringly clear is that he has four days until the transfer window closes to add at least three players, a defender, a defensive midfielder, and ideally another striker. The way things are looking, it's going to be a very uphill battle to muscle out Liverpool or Chelsea to even qualify for next year's Champions' League. At least we have two weeks to regroup and an overmatched Swansea City side at the Emirates coming up next. That, one hopes, should end this six-match Premier League winless streak, and hopefully give a (hopefully) retooled side some confidence heading into Champions' League group play, which begins on 13 September at Dortmund.

Addendum: Worth noting that the last time Arsenal ceded eight goals, Victoria was queen. Also the worst defeat in Arsène Wenger's tenure as manager.

Addendum II: BBC Sport reporting that the transfer of striker Park Chu-Young from Monaco is set to complete tonight for between £3m and £5m.