Arsenal failed to score for the second time in two home games as they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the game and put in an improved performance from their defeat against Fulham, but could not find the back of the net as they missed several glorious chances to score.
Reiss Nelson came in for Gabriel Martinelli and put in a fairly impressive display, whilst Kai Havertz moved to a striker role for the first time since the Community Shield.
Havertz received mixed reviews for his display as his finishing was poor, but he did improve in some aspects of his play, whilst Bukayo Saka was disappointing again on the right wing.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has now highlighted a concern within the Arsenal attack, following the defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Ian Wright highlights Arsenal speed concern
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Wright highlighted the lack of speed within the Arsenal attack whenever Martinelli is not on the pitch.
“I’m worried about our pace as well. Yes, we’ve got Martinelli. Reiss was on today and again, if he scores that goal in the first couple of minutes it might change the whole trajectory for him,” he stated.
“But again, he’s getting taken off. Martinelli comes on and instantly whether it’s because we got the ball to him quicker or not or is it because he’s got more pace than the other guys, but he actually started to get beyond people.
“We’re getting behind people, getting the ball in the box and creating more chances.”
Arsenal need more speed in attack
Martinelli’s recent poor form has highlighted an issue that very few of Arsenal’s attackers have explosive pace like the Brazilian.
Nelson played well, and offered a lot of speed and trickery on the wing, but has hardly been given a chance all season.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are both outstanding attackers when in form, but neither offer raw speed, and Leandro Trossard has been particularly concerning as Martinelli’s main substitute in recent months.
Arsenal have been linked with Pedro Neto and Michael Olise in the summer, and having more pacey wingers on the bench will add goals, and will help Arteta change the game with his substitutions.
Martinelli looked more dangerous off the bench against tired legs than he has done when starting in recent weeks, and perhaps some time out of the starting XI could help him rediscover his form in shorter cameos off the bench, but unless Nelson plays in his absence, Arsenal will find their attacking threat limited without his speed.
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