Three games into the season and Arsenal have managed just four points.

Three of those came in a game away from home against Crystal Palace, while the other was won in Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool. Both Liverpool and West Ham have visited the Emirates Stadium in this early part of the season, and both have left with a clean sheet.

“We have started very average I must concede,” Wenger said following the goalless draw. “Sharpness is missing a little bit in some players.”

That could be said of Alexis Sánchez, who was making his second start since winning the Copa América with Chile over the summer. Everyone else in the squad was available for pre-season, but Alexis came into the squad late and hasn’t trained or played half as much as his teammates.

Unfortunately, that’s showing. The Chilean was better at Selhurst Park last weekend but even then his finishing wasn’t up to scratch. Against Liverpool he looked predictable, less powerful than usual, and it didn’t help Arsenal’s cause.

“Our game is still not fluent enough in the final third,” Wenger admitted to the press.

“We had the chances but we are still missing a little bit of a spontaneous attitude to finish what we start well.”

That had better come quickly. Arsenal travel to Newcastle on Saturday before welcoming Stoke to the Emirates. After that a trip to Stamford Bridge beckons. The Gunners have failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s slow start and Manchester City are already five points ahead of both sides.

If Arsenal are keen to show they can win the title, they had better get a move on.