Ian Wright was critical of Arsenal duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey for ‘ball watching’ during Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against West Ham on Sunday, as he told Optus Sport on Premier League Productions.
The Highbury legend didn’t like how the midfield duo defended West Ham’s opener, which was fired home by, none other than, Manchester United loanee, Jesse Lingard.
Arsenal ended up going three down inside 32 minutes, but amazingly enough, they produced a spirited comeback in the second half.
Wright shared what Xhaka and Partey should have done for West Ham’s opener today.
“When you look at Arsenal’s two holding midfielders and Jesse, someone should be picking him up,” said Wright.
“That’s their job primarily. Both of them are ball watching. They both have gone into the box and they have left Jesse with time and space.
“And his form, at the minute, we know he’s going to, at least, hit the target. Poor from Arsenal, in respect of the defensive midfielders. Someone has to be more aware.”
Mikel Arteta will be wondering where on earth Arsenal’s fight and hunger to attack was when the game was goalless because it only came to fruition when they were three down.
In the end, it’s Arsenal who ended the game happiest, and whilst they will be disappointed with how they defended, the team is showing fight once again.
Plus, from an attacking sense, the likes of Martin Odegaard shone once more and Arsenal fans will be pretty keen to get him signed up on a permanent basis.
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