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Club legend Ian Wright has criticised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s team selection during the damaging 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. The Arsenal icon also highlighted that Nacho Monreal was one of the weakest players in the Arsenal squad.
The Gunners wilted under the pressure to hand Roberto Martinez’s side the prerogative in the race for a top four finish, as the Merseysiders can now leapfrog Arsenal if they win their game in hand.
With Kieran Gibbs ruled out through injury, Spanish full-back Nacho Monreal started on the left flank, but Wright is adamant that the decision played into Everton’s hands.
“He [Martinez] put Lukaku on one of the weakest players in the Arsenal squad [Monreal], he hasn’t got the strength to challenge him. Sagna can at least give him a physical battle.
“I’d have like to see Wenger make a change. Take Monreal off, move Sagna over, with his athletic ability, and bring Jenkinson on on the right.
“He should have brought Oxlade-Chamberlain on earlier. He didn’t do anything, it was really disappointing,” he insisted.
Wenger’s refusal to make a personnel change until after the hour mark was a curious decision, considering the manner in which his side had been outplayed by the Toffees.
Arsenal were considered as title challengers until a matter of weeks ago, but there season has unravelled at a rapid rate and Wright admitted that his former side failed to cope with the pressure of the crowd and Everton’s physical approach.
“It was disappointing to see Arsenal play so badly at this point of the season. I would love to have seen Arsenal roll their sleeves up and make it a little bit tougher.
“The Arsenal players, you cannot expect to go to Goodison, with Everton four points behind with a game in hand and not expect a barrage.
“Players have to be ready. You have to quell the noise and then start playing,” Wright declared.
Nacho Monreal failed to complete a single tackle in the defeat to Everton (0/4).
