Arsenal picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday to open their Premier League account with three points.
Mikel Arteta’s side are under immense pressure to deliver a trophy this season after struggling to get over the line in recent years.
Arsenal were narrowly beaten to the Premier League title by Manchester City last season and they are aware that they can do very little wrong if they want to become champions.
The competition for places is building up at the Emirates, which is very healthy for all because it keeps everyone on their toes.
The two men who got on the scoresheet against Wolves were Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, but you feel more goals could have come the team’s way.
When Arsenal were leading 1-0, Gabriel Martinelli had a glorious chance to lay the ball off to Declan Rice, and all he had to do was hit the target and they would have scored.
But instead, he went for goal himself to the frustration of the home fans and, especially, one Ian Wright who made his feelings pretty clear.
The former striker thinks Martinelli is ‘trying to be desperate’ because he has Leandro Trossard on his back and gunning for his place.
Wright feels the Brazil international is ‘trying to impress’ his manager, but it didn’t work, even if Arsenal went on to score through Saka and earn the three points, as he told Premier League Productions (17/08/24 at 3:55 pm).
Gabriel Martinelli slammed during Arsenal’s win against Wolves
“This one here is a bit disappointing for me because he has got the opportunity to cut back to Declan Rice,” said Wright. “Just lay that into Declan, go 2-0 up and go in at half-time.
“I know that he’s desperate to do well because he has got Trossard on the bench. He had a poor season last year, Martinelli.
“But he’s trying to impress upon the manager, but give that back to Declan Rice, 2-0, and then you probably get your goal in the second half.”
Arsenal squad
The majority of the XI picks itself, it doesn’t need any new faces, with Arsenal securing the signing of Riccardo Calafiori to push the starters for a place in the team.
Where Arsenal need to go to the next level is the squad, its depth and depth in quality. And that’s where the summer transfer window comes along – Arsenal have been long linked with striker Ivan Toney.
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Manchester City have two top, top quality players for each position. The Gunners don’t. And if they can get to that level, then the title might just be delivered.
Sources have told HITC when Arsenal want a deal done for Mikel Merino, as the midfielder is a key target for Arteta before the summer transfer window slams shut.
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