Arsenal's form since it ended at 49

In an article about what is going wrong at Arsenal, the author Isabelle Kliger writes:

Vieira

We’ve all heard the whispers around Highbury, “We should have cashed in on him when we had the chance”. It is far from pleasant, feeling that way about our talismanic captain and the supposed backbone of our team, but there is, in black and white. Patrick’s heart just doesn’t seem to be in it. He was 100 per cent committed to winning the Champions’ League with Arsenal. But where is that commitment when he’s playing Stoke or Manchester City? Furthermore, Vieira is he team captain, but where are his leadership skills? Does he inspire and motivate the players or is he, all too often these days, the person losing the ball in the midfield and leaving someone else to clean up his mess? This may be provocative, rash, and unrealistic but how about selling Vieira, offering Edu a decent contract and using the cash for Shaun Wright-Phillips? Any takers?

No, not a taker.

Vieira chose for less money for what he thought was the better club. And he is right. Arsenal are better than Real Madrid, I think. Just compare the back fours. Henry is the best striker on either club. Bergkamp is virtually the only regular which is not in his prime playing years. Vieira, albeit on the edge of his prime, is an instrumental piece. Just look at Figo's recent form as an example of resurgence.

Arsenal are suffering from goalmouth leadership right now. They have some players that look tired. They have a 17 year old learning the midfield (and a worthy starter) -but still a 17 year old. Most of all, Arsenal didn't seem to accept the streak at 49. Something washed thru the camp, ‘we wuz robbed’ maybe? Destiny of 50 shattered? Dunno, but the run of mediocre form started when the streak ended. That is something team related, not a specific player.