Ian Wright left unimpressed with Arsenal problem despite convincing Chelsea win

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright had some reservations about the Gunners’ performance against Chelsea.

The most important thing was that Mikel Arteta’s side got the job done in N5, beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates. 

Three points boosted Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League, as well as limiting the gap at the top of the table. 

Several controversial calls from Chris Kavanagh could’ve seen the Gunners score more than one goal against their rivals but, that wasn’t Arteta’s only stumbling block.

• READ MORE: Three winners and losers from Arsenal win over Chelsea including Gabriel Martinelli and Chris Kavanagh

Ian Wright slams ‘very poor’ Arsenal attack against Chelsea

The only goal of the game came from Mikel Merino, who put Arsenal ahead from a corner in the first half.

What followed was total control from the Gunners, but not much else, as Ian Wright alluded to in his assessment of the contest. 

The Arsenal legend was unable to hold back his frustration at how poor Arteta’s attack was in front of goal, suggesting that the hosts should’ve scored more than once. 

“At this stage, you just need to win and Arsenal did enough,” Wright said via Premier League productions. 

“Some of the finishing was pretty poor, against a goalkeeper who’s low on confidence and who they should have tested more, but in the end, they got it done against a pretty toothless Chelsea side.”

Robert Sanchez had a wobbly opening half at the Emirates, leading to him being taunted by fans but, the front line wasn’t able to truly test the goalkeeper.

It was fitting that the only goal of the game came from a set piece, as Arsenal’s lack of firepower from open play continued. 

Set piece resurgence saves Arsenal 

At the start of the season, it felt impossible to discuss Arsenal without noting the strength of the Gunners from set play. 

With the help of Nicolas Jover, Arsenal were unstoppable from set pieces, particularly corners however, it appeared that the North Londoners were found out to some degree. 

Against Chelsea, danger from dead-ball scenarios returned and ultimately won the game, with the attack struggling to really threaten Sanchez. 

As seen from the numbers of the game, in 90 minutes, the hosts recorded just four shots on target from 12 total shots, representing only 33% of chances being on target.

Arsenal are lacking firepower through the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus but, such only spells a significant squad depth issue for Arteta to solve.

Wright called for more going forward from his former club against Chelsea, which has been the narrative for the majority of Arsenal’s games this year.