Former Arsenal player Ian Wright slammed Gabriel Martinelli for his mundane performance in the team’s 2-0 win against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Kai Havertz was able to put the Gunners in front as he scored in the 25th minute of the game.
However, Arsenal had a golden opportunity to go 2-0 up at the stroke of half-time. Gabriel Martinelli could have passed the ball to Declan Rice, who was in a scoring position but he chose to go for the goal himself.
The home team was able to double their lead in the 74th minute when Havertz provided an assist to Bukayo Saka. Wright reckons Martinelli’s performance was not up to the mark in the previous season and he is trying too hard to impress Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Ian Wright said, “This one here is a bit disappointing for me because he has got the opportunity to cut back to Declan Rice. Just lay that into Declan, go 2-0 up and go in at half-time. I know that he’s desperate to do well because he has got [Leandro] Trossard on the bench.”
“He had a poor season last year, Martinelli. But, he’s trying to impress upon the manager, but give that back to Declan Rice, 2-0, and then you probably get your goal in the second half.”
On the other hand, Mikel Arteta was delighted with the team’s convincing 2-0 win against the Wolves and said they were dominant in the first half.
“The first half, we were really good, really aggressive, really intense, with a lot of purpose to attack. Probably we should have scored two or three and the game would have been different. In the second half, we were sloppy in moments and didn’t control some giveaways inside, which against this team in particular can be difficult.”
“Then, the game was a bit more open. Then, Bukayo had an unbelievable action to score for 2-0 and it was a different game. Win in any context. You’ll have better days, or worse days. The opposition will guide you to play in a specific type of way. Today, we won in a convincing way, but probably in a different way because it’s what the game requires.”
Arsenal will face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
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