Ian Wright names one thing only Gabriel Magalhães brings to the Arsenal team.
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has delivered a scathing critique of the Gunners’ defensive display in their 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth. He cited the absence of centre-back Gabriel Magalhães as a major factor in the team’s fragility at the back.
“We don’t have Gabriel to organise and be aggressive. In those incidents, no one seemed to be doing anything. It looked too easy — very static. It’s a concern,” Wright said.
Wright described both goals conceded as “soft” and expressed concern over the team’s inability to defend set pieces effectively. “Both defenders are not looking at the player who is about to score. That was really strange to see, especially given how diligent Arsenal usually are in defence,” Wright added.
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The defeat marks another collapse from a winning position for Arsenal, who have now dropped 21 points from such positions this season. Wright noted that Arsenal usually excel in defence, but their performance against Bournemouth was subpar.
On the specific goals, Wright criticized Martin Ødegaard’s positioning on Evanilson’s goal. “If you look at Ødegaard, he’s not looking at the ball, he’s reacting off the man. If he’s facing the right way, like Lewis-Skelly was, he might’ve had a better chance to stop it. It’s poor defending.”
Wright emphasized that Gabriel’s absence was a significant factor in Arsenal’s defensive woes. “When Gabriel is on the pitch, he’s always organising, always talking, and always telling his teammates what to do. He’s a leader, and his presence makes a big difference.”
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The former striker highlighted the need for Arsenal to improve their defensive strategy, particularly on set pieces. “You can’t just stand there and watch the opposition score. You need to be proactive, anticipate the danger, and make blocks. It’s basic defending, and Arsenal should be better than this.”
Gabriel Magalhaes is out of the season with an injury. (Image credit: Getty Images)Despite the setback, Wright remains confident that Arsenal can still reach the Champions League final against PSG. “Yes, they can,” he said without hesitation. “Arsenal have the talent, the skill, and the determination to overcome the deficit. They just need to believe in themselves and play to their potential.”
With Gabriel likely not making it back to the team this season, even as Kiwior has risen to replace Gabriel Magalhães in some games with solid performances, Mikel Arteta will need to work out something in the game against PSG.
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