and the gaping holes in the capitals Arsenal.

Is it terminal decline for these two powerhouses

I know Abramovich's Chelsea were champions last year and still have some real quality but there is something amiss. Apart from the buzz effect caused by Antonio Conte last season there seems to be something wrong.
Players not wanting to go there, disciplinary issues, unrest in the ranks. Might be a bit soon to write them off but something feels corrosive.

As for Arsenal - they are surely a busted flush.