There is every possibility that Arsene Wenger is not going anywhere despite the Thomas Tuchel distraction. A two year extension on his contract appears more certain. And that can be inferred by his statement that his decision to stay or leave is not linked to results. In fact, it won’t bother him unduly if Arsenal don’t qualify for the Champions League.

“It will not necessarily be linked with that because I’ve done the top four 20 times,” he said.

“It’s more … it’s not that. I take a bigger perspective. It’s not the last result that will decide what I will do.”

Think about it. Takes all the wind out of the sails for those who argue Wenger’s departure endangers the club’s position in the top four. Wenger’s statement is positively Trumpian in its contempt and arrogance. I can do this because “I don’t care, I’m really rich.” Been there, done that. Don’t let little things like results get in the way. This is the attitude which is killing Arsenal slowly but surely. The “bigger perspective” is just self actualization gloss – his love and motivation for the club and job. We have heard it before.

The reality is that it’s not just Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola who have historically put the hurt on him. Wenger is now regularly beaten by the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Ronald Koeman, and Mauricio Pochettino. And Antonio Conte is just getting started. Add Tony Pulis, Claude Puel, and Craig Shakespeare to the list of coaches who are no pushovers – they are all more tactically astute coaches who do their homework before a match. Arsenal could easily finish 8th and they will still have Wenger as a coach.