Pundit sources Arsenal malaise to ‘telling’ episode in warm-up at Man Utd

Jonny Whitfield 12 Nov 2020 2:46 PM

Ian Wright has highlighted a misfiring Arsenal shooting drill in the warm-up against Manchester United as a “telling” sign of the club’s current malaise in front of goal.

While Arsenal have enjoyed finding the net in the Europa League this season, they are struggling for Premier League goals.

Indeed, since the October international break, they have scored only one top-flight goal in four games. That goal came in the 1-0 win over United, courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aside from that result, though, the Gunners have lost to Manchester City, Leicester and Aston Villa.

Aubameyang has faced criticism for lacking intensity since he signed a new deal in September. However, Wright has pointed out that an episode during the warm up at Old Trafford offered a stark reminder of Arsenal’s problems in front of goal.

“What I saw the other day was Arsenal’s warm-up before the Manchester United game – there was a shooting session down in the corner,” the 57-year-old told the Wrighty’s House podcast.

“We saw nine shots from the main characters – Aubameyang, [Alexandre] Lacazette, all of them – and every single one of them missed. Even though we beat Manchester United, it was telling.

“If I’m being honest, there’s not many chances being created, which is why I feel so unfortunate for Auba.”

Wright questions Arsenal goalscoring

“It’s just a coincidence that he’s signed his contract at this time and then the suits say, ‘It’s because he’s signed his contract, he’s clocked off’. We’re not creating chances!” Wright added of Aubameyang.

“We’re not creating chances but I do not like seeing in a warm-up shooting session, people missing the target, and sloppy shots.

“All those things make you look into the team and what’s going on.”

It is not the first time Wright has commented on Arsenal’s lack of finishing touch. He warned after the defeat to Leicester that Mikel Arteta’s tactics mean his players can only score “perfect” goals.

Despite their lack of goals in the Premier League, Arsenal know how to find the net in Europe.

The Gunners have scored at least two in each of their three group stage games so far. Indeed, while two of their goals against Molde were own goals, Nicolas Pepe and Joe Willock scored the others.

Ian Wright