Ian Wright has something he wants to tell the current group of Arsenal players.
Arsenal were frustrated by Brighton on Saturday, who battled to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
This result meant that Mikel Arteta’s side dropped points in the Premier League for the first time this season.
The aftermath of the match has focused on the controversy around Declan Rice’s red card. Pundits have been divided by referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show the midfielder a second yellow card after he nudged the ball out of play following the awarding of a free kick to the Seagulls.
Gary Lineker believes Rice was cruelly punished, whereas broadcaster Richard Keys feels “justice” was served against Arsenal.
However, the truth is that despite being down to ten men for much of the second half, the North London club still had chances to win the match. On top of that, in the opening period when the Gunners were absolutely dominant they ought to have racked up an unassailable lead.
Kai Havertz was able to find the back of the net with a cleverly lofted finish, but by the time the break rolled around Arsenal should have been more than one goal to the good.
Ian Wright’s dressing room message for Arsenal
Iconic former Arsenal striker Ian Wright is keen to press home the message to Arteta’s squad that they need to make the most of their periods of dominance within matches, turning their pressure into goals, and taking advantage of their momentum.
Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast in the wake of this draw, he said: “If I’m in the dressing room, or I’m the manager, I want them to see the chance. I’ve got to emphasise to them how important it is to take these chances in the first half, to kill these teams’ spirit.”
Are Arsenal missing a goalscorer?
Arsenal were linked with many strikers over the course of the recent summer transfer window, but ultimately the market closed without Arteta adding a centre-forward to his squad. On top of that, Eddie Nketiah departed the club.
Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will now battle it out for the right to lead the line this season, though neither is the most prolific of goalscorers.
Whilst the duo do have their own individual qualities, and Havertz finished smartly against Brighton, it could be the case that Arsenal quickly come to regret not investing in a truly devastating finisher this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
