‘What I’m looking’: Ian Wright sends message to Arsenal board after 2-0 loss vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said that manager Mikel Arteta needs help with new signings following the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Gunners had 23 attempts on goal against Eddie Howe’s side at the Emirates Stadium yesterday, but only three were on target.

Gabriel Martinelli hit the woodwork in the opening half. Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes also missed clear-cut chances.

Arsenal ended up with an xG of 3.76 last night compared to Newcastle’s 1.53. The Magpies were basically clinical with their chances to score.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Wright said that Arteta needs help with new additions but acknowledged that it could be very difficult this month.

The 61-year-old added that the Spaniard requires something else in the front line, as scoring could be challenging if they perform like this.

He said: “What I’m looking at now for Mikel Arteta and what he’s gonna need, he needs help.

“I know it’s very difficult to get anything in this January window, but he needs something else because if it carries on like this, it’s going to be very difficult to score.

“They aren’t scoring with the corners, we’re not scoring with the chances we’re making. Something needs to change. Something needs to happen.”

Arsenal suffered a massive setback last month with Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury. The England international will be on the sidelines until early March at least.

In his absence, Ethan Nwaneri looked a solid solution on the right wing, but the teenager is sidelined for a few weeks after his muscular injury against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling have failed to impress from the role. Arteta desperately needs a fresh solution in the position during the winter transfer window.

Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is the priority target, but a move may not happen until the summer.

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a loan deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in. The Gunners need a specialist on the right wing to fill the void left by Saka.