Among others, Patrick Vieira is often viewed as ‘one that got away’ as a former Arsenal leader on the pitch looking to make his mark in management.

After an incredibly successful playing career, the Arsenal legend moved on to a coaching role with Manchester City’s academy and is currently head coach of their sister club New York City FC.

Despite a fairly strong start to a first season as a first team head coach, the Frenchman suffered on Saturday.

New York City faced New York Red Bulls in what has been built up as a manufactured derby as the MLS hopes to create rivalries.

That, then, only added to the ignominy of a 7-0 defeat at home.

Despite fielding David Villa and Andrea Pirlo from the start, Vieira’s men struggled to do much after conceding an early goal. The situation spiralled out of control either side of half-time, when the Blues conceded four times in a 14-minute spell.

The introduction of Frank Lampard did nothing and two more late goals completed the rout.

Amongst the scorers was Bradley Wright-Philipps, son of Arsenal legend and second all-time top goalscorer Ian Wright, who netted twice and grabbed an assist.

It is only one game and it proves nothing but there is the chance Vieira isn’t the brilliant leader and tactical genius off the pitch that people thought he may be.

“It’s been a disaster,” he said after 45 minutes. “I think we didn’t play at all, and nothing more to say. It’s been a really bad first 45. We didn’t turn up; we didn’t play, and we couldn’t live with the importance of the game.”

It only got worse.

As an Arsenal legend, we only hope Paddy does succeed but Saturday’s defeat looks like a massive blow. Maybe he’ll learn from it.