Ian Wright has weighed in on Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham, expressing his disappointment as the Gunners lost further ground in the Premier League title race. The result was a major setback for Mikel Arteta’s side, who had the opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool before the Reds play their match tomorrow.
Liverpool have not been flawless this season, but they remain at the top of the table largely because Arsenal have also dropped crucial points at key moments. If the Gunners are serious about winning silverware, they must produce more consistent performances, something they failed to do against West Ham.
Arsenal will have more opportunities to pick up points in upcoming fixtures, but their inability to capitalise even when their rivals struggle is a worrying trend. Against West Ham, they lacked creativity and struggled to break down a well-organised defensive unit, failing to convert possession into clear chances. Wright, who watched the match closely, was left frustrated by their lack of attacking threat.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Arsenal striker analysed the game and credited West Ham for their defensive efforts while highlighting Arsenal’s struggles.
“It was always going to be a tough one with the forwards missing. You need something to happen with set-pieces, or someone like Ethan Nwaneri. Not enough creativity, you have to give West Ham credit for the defending they did,” Wright said.
Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge was evident throughout the game, and their inability to create meaningful chances ultimately cost them. If they continue to put in performances like this, their title challenge will weaken further, allowing Liverpool to extend their advantage.
There is still time for Arteta’s side to recover, but they cannot afford to let more opportunities slip away. Every match is crucial in a title race, and Arsenal must quickly find solutions to their attacking struggles if they want to remain serious contenders for the league crown.
ADMIN COMMENT
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Arteta blew it when he failed to sign a proven striker in January. He needs to be replaced!
We have the Spanish Southgate – a very good manager who plays with one style that brings success so close but is tactically, both off (transfers) and on field, unable to get the team over the line when it matters.
Replaced? It won’t happen until we fail to qualify for the Champions league as to the owners it is primarily a commercial decision They want the revenue, sponsorship etc and changing manager who is delivering those presents a commercial risk. Supporters wants are secondary as long as revenues are met. Only if the ground empties on matchday and revenues significantly falls might they take note and action.
We’re a spent force now.
And performances will get worse as will the defeats.
Rice and Calafiori cost us, simple as that.
You can’t give a player enough room to cross into the six yard box, and Rice let a player run straight into the path.
FFS he had a wide open chance earlier and tried to beat a player with no room in front of him.
What has he done in the last 6 months.
As for Lewis-Skelly, he had Raya and Saliba behind him and he tries to take on a forward with years more experience, Stupid little boy. Partey worked hard, Merino was coming looking for the ball which is more than almost every forward we have had has done.
Nwaneri was out of his depth and Oodegard didn’t have any answers. I would like to see someone have a shot on goal from more than 18 yards, but I don’t hold out much hope. The title race is not over, but without someone to score regularly it will be very difficult.
As a side note if you are replaced by Zinchenko – You’re done.
Arteta tactics cost us . It worked once with Merino up front but Potter would have looked at his prior to the game.
Rice wasn’t worth the reported 100 million +5 add on that made him the most expensive English player after Jack Grealish – both have failed to live up to their tags . Do you think Potter, who was derided on here when someone suggested that he could replace Arteta, would pay that for Rice?
As for Lewis-Skelly don’t be too hard on him as he is young and enthusiastic and it not his fault that his playing at fullback , not his normal position when Arteta leaves Tierney ( a fantastic overlapping fullback when fit) on the bench. Put MLS in midfield instead of tiring Rice and bring on Tierney in place of Calafiori. Might bring some energy instead of the tiring legs of Partey and Rice.
I think the boys did their best. But the team is depleted and the injuries are taking a toll.
My worry is that the injuries can even get worse as CL resume.
Nevertheless Arsenal should continue to focus on itself and be prepared to take advantage of any slip up by Liverpool. That’s all it can do at the moment.
At times I wonder if not signing a striker is actually Arteta’s decession or that of the Management? I doubt if he completely have power over the decession not to sign?. It really hort.
Yes it’s going to tough for the rest of the season, with the lack of fire power. But who’s fault is that, I think we all know don’t we.
But what’s really going to get on my nerve’s is that for the rest of the season, I’m going to see constant posts, game after game of certain fans bleating on about our lack of squad.
Again, better planning by Arteta for such eventuality’s which is always there, could have at least allowed the team to get through this period a bit easier than they now will.
But don’t worry people, I’m sure with Arteta’s 6th phase soon to be unveiled in due course, we’re about to embark on world domination from the 2025/2026 season onwards. 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️