Five major headaches for the Gunners – and how history repeats itself

1. Arsène Wenger future

Decisions will not be made until the outcome of the season is known, but recent defeats have shifted the balance of probabilities. Likely result Wenger to leave.

2. Alexis Sánchez deal

He scored his 20th goal of the season on Wednesday, but you do not need much expertise in body language to sense that he feels deeply frustrated. Likely result Sánchez (right) turns down new deal and moves.

3. Mesut Özil deal

Has always appeared happier than Sánchez, but no deal has been done and there could be fresh doubts now on both sides. How Özil might view a different manager is impossible to predict. Likely result Özil extends contract.

4. Futures of British core

Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex OxladeChamberlain all have one year left on their contracts this summer and there have been no talks over new ones. Likely result The Ox and Ramsey to stay – Wilshere, Gibbs and Jenkinson go.

5. Captaincy

It has felt like a cursed position for the past decade, with captains either leaving, or failing to play due to injury. It has been the same this season for Per Mertesacker, but the German has taken up the offer of a new contract and wants to stay and fight for his place. His limitations are obvious but he provides presence.

Likely result

Mertesacker stays captain. Jeremy Wilson