Last night on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football Gary Neville provided one of the more detailed, intelligent answers to the often asked, but rarely solved, question - What has become of Arsenal?

The former Manchester United right back gave another example of why he is considered by many to be the most intelligent and analytical pundit working on the major British TV channels, as he compared the tactics and styles of the Arsenal sides of Vieria, Henry, Fabregas and Pires to the current side of Cazorla, Walcott and Wilshere.

A critical lack of penetrating runs from this year’s side (a factor Neville blames on the habits of the midfield players as much as any tactical changes), and the subsequent knock on effects this has is hampering Arsenal’s once quick, effective attacking unit.

Neville explains how, in contrast to when he played, and feared, Arsenal, a more patient approach to attack this season is allowing opposition defenders to focus on the movement of the player in possession without being distracted by attacking runs being made in behind them.

Neville made the observations before Arsenal put 5 past Reading in a 5-2 win and the manner of many of the goals will serve as vindication for his analysis. The Gunners enjoyed  acomprehensive win, largely due to employing penetrating runs from deep and quick breakaway attacks which served to pull the Reading defence apart.