Heartbreak became a familiar feeling for Arsenal in the late 00s and early 2010s. Yes, the trophy drought was bad, but what hurt most for many was being walked out on by those you deeply cared for. Each season a new affair would begin only for them to eventually trade up for a more attractive model.
Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy, Alex Hleb, Bacary Sagna, Alex Song, Robin van Persie, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey were just a few of the beloved figures to move on to pastures new. Each departure grew more traumatic than the last.
Eventually talented players leaving the Emirates Stadium became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even today, with the Gunners financially healthy and back in the Champions League those fears still linger. This is the power of reputation.
