As Arsenal fans we should be used to this by now - but we simply should not have been allowed to morph into some sort of feeder club as we seem to have done.
The imminent departure of Fabregas and Nasri is the unsettling factor, but let's just hope that the remaining players have already resigned themselves to the fact that these two are off, and have started to mentally prepare for the season without them - if they walk on to the pitch at St.James Park anything less than 100% focused then we're knackered.
The morning papers have thrown up an interesting story about Carlos Tevez moving south when the avaricious Nasri moves north - not sure this'll happen given the Argentinians huge wage demands, but with Our two gone, who do we have that'll make noises about wanting to be on equal terms as far as pay is concerned? - let's see what happens.
Campbell and Oxlade-Chamberlain have both been brought in, but both are unpolished and inexperienced - can we have a centre back with a bit of nous please Arsene? - I fear our shortcomings at the back will simply continue if we don't.
Arsene Wenger meanwhile continues to irritate the media by smiling inanely and appearing to be in total denial, saying: "I expect nobody to leave. There is no news. If there is news, I promise I will give it."
"Cesc is not on strike. Cesc is not injured, he's not match fit. I don't want to go any deeper than that. Nasri went for the national team, he was sick, and he has not completely recovered yet. There are no other aspects why he is not in the squad."
Irrespective of all the crap, we have a match to win today - if we fail to do so the undercurrent of dissatisfaction will grow, however if we have a spritely start to the season and amass points then the summer will fade into memory. The joys of being a football fan eh?
Just one more thing - "Come on you Gunners"!!