Ian Wright claims three Arsenal players ‘need to show more’ if the Gunners are to break their Premier League trophy drought.
The Gunners haven’t won the crown in almost two decades, but Mikel Arteta‘s team has come agonisingly close with back-to-back second-place results.
Arsenal fell five points behind Manchester City in 2022-23 and only two points behind Pep Guardiola’s team last season, pushing the title fight to the last day but falling short.
Wright’s previous team made a strong start to the new season, defeating Wolves 2-0 on the opening weekend, implying that a third consecutive championship push is on the way.
Ex-striker Wright is optimistic about Arsenal’s chances this season but says three players – Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson – will need to ‘bring more’ and contribute to the title tilt.
Jesus underwhelmed for Arsenal last season, scoring just four goals in the Premier League and losing his place in the team to Kai Havertz. Martinelli also struggled following a superb 2022-23 campaign.
‘Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have to bring more,’ Wright said on his podcast.
Wright wants more from three Arsenal stars
‘They both had half-decent seasons, they’ve got to have more goals in them than what we saw last season. I think it’s a big season for them.’
Wright is also ‘praying’ that Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson can finally enjoy a breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium after showing glimpses of his potential last year.
‘For me, Reiss Nelson has a massive season coming up,’ the 60-year-old added.
‘We saw Saka come off the other day and Reiss Nelson needs to step into that and deliver.
‘He’s been around the squad and the manager for long enough now. He needs to produce the performances.
‘Our bench is going to be very important. If Reiss goes another season where he’s just in the wings, I don’t understand what that’s going to do for him and his career.
‘This is a massive season for him and I really pray he can kick in and do something.’
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against Aston Villa, who kick-started their season with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.