Ian Wright has expressed his frustration following Arsenal’s defeat to Bayern Munich. The German giants cruised past Mikel Arteta’s side at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, booking a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Joshua Kimmich put Bayern Munich ahead in the second half and, despite Arsenal’s best efforts, the visitors were unable to equalize. Speaking to the Stick To Football podcast ahead of the tie, Wright insisted the Gunners had to be “ruthless” to progress to the next round.
“I would like Arsenal to win it [the Champions League]”, said the 60-year-old. “If we got there, in the final with [Manchester] City, I would feel more confident. We need to be more ruthless with the chances – you need to see the games so you can relax during the games.
“At the moment we are not taking these chances even though we won the game in the end, but if we could take these chances I would be more confident to face these teams because we defend a lot better.”
Despite a warning, Arsenal ignored Wright’s advice – and Arteta is certainly aware of his team’s toothless front line. Speaking to CBS Sports after the match, the Gunners boss admitted he doesn’t have a number nine like many other top European teams.
Asked about the lack of forward returns in front of goal, he replied: “We are the team that has scored the most goals in the Premier League. From everywhere, because the reality is that we don’t have a striker who either I will score 35 or 40 goals.
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“So we have to live with that, we have many other qualities. Today is the time to stay behind the players, because they have given us so much and accompanied us on this journey.”
Despite a frustrating result, Wright managed to contain his anger. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the former Arsenal striker posted a GIF of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine with the caption: “Peaceful thoughts…”
Then, on the Wrighty’s House podcast the following morning, Wright explained why he thinks the Gunners need to sign a left-back and a creative midfielder this summer. He said: “I just feel like we are inexperienced and still missing a few players.
“I think he needs to do something for left-back, for a real midfielder who can pass it forward, who can get forward and hit those shots. We need that X-Factor player.
“We need someone who can step in and be totally different from everything else. Someone who you can at least think is that special weapon.”
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