One of the most consistent criticisms of Arsene Wenger in recent years has been of his inability to change style or tactics, either mid game or mid season. The 4-3-3 formation has become the default setting even when certain players are struggling for form.

None of Arsenal's wide front men could ever find consistent performances last season and even though Robin Van Persie prospered in the second half of the campaign, you could argue that he would have been just as prolific in a more conventional 4-4-2.

Man Utd’s success has been built upon Sir Alex Ferguson's flexibility and ability to constantly evolve his team’s approach depending on the personnel available and the opposition. In games against Arsenal in particular we have seen a shift in approach to contain Wenger’s team which has worked almost without fail, particularly in the biggest matches.

In contrast Wenger refuses to adapt for any opposition or any occasion. One of the most notable occasions when he did was for the FA Cup Final in 2005 and the more negative approach gave Arsenal their last trophy. The signing of Chamakh last season appeared to suggest that Wenger would now be more flexible in his approach as the Moroccan’s style of play could be used in combination with van Persie.

Instead the slick haired striker was only given a chance when our vice-captain was injured before Christmas and he spent the rest of the season alongside Niklas Bendtner as a last gasp substitute and even then both target men were instructed to play as awkward wingers.

Both Bendtner and Chamakh have proved that they can be effective when played through the middle and yet Wenger will still not adapt to the strengths of his squad. This summer Wenger has bolstered his attack once again with the arrival of Gervinho, who has already excited the Arsenal faithful with a quick fire brace in the friendly against Cologne. The Ivorian’s physical presence suggests that he too could provide a foil for van Persie in a 4-4-2 but Bendtner’s imminent departure hints at the fact that the manager will again prefer to use his attacking options in the wide positions either side of last season’s top scorer.

This policy already appears to have killed Bendtner’s Arsenal career but Arsenal fans, Gervinho, Chamakh, Walcott, Nasri, Arshavin and Vela will all be hoping the manager can broaden his approach as the season’s start fast approaches.

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Photo: Action Images via Reuters