Ian Wright Urges Arsenal Attack Overhaul and Names Ideal Front Four

Ian Wright warns Arsenal that they must overhaul their attacking strategy and reveals his preferred front four to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has demanded urgent attacking changes, warning that an overhaul could be necessary if Mikel Arteta’s side are to prevent their Premier League title challenge from drifting away.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Wright voiced concern after Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, a result that exposed lingering problems in open-play creativity despite the Gunners retaining a four-point lead at the top of the table.

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While Arsenal have scored 42 Premier League goals, second only to Manchester City, Wright believes the numbers mask a deeper issue. Too much of Arsenal’s threat, he argued, continues to come from set pieces rather than fluid attacking play.

“Something has to change, or it will peter out for us,” Wright said.
“We can’t carry on like that.”

The former striker suggested that without tactical evolution, Arsenal risk becoming predictable during the decisive stages of the title race.

Why Wright Believes Arteta’s System Is Limiting Creativity

Wright also highlighted concerns over the structure of Arteta’s attacking setup, particularly following the introduction of Eberechi Eze from the bench against United.

Arsenal signed the former Crystal Palace star to add flair and unpredictability, but Wright argues the current system restricts his natural instincts.

“Eze needs to play and be free,” Wright explained.
“Right now it feels a little rigid for him.”

Wright insists Arsenal lose creativity when expressive players operate under tight positional constraints.

Despite advocating freedom for creative midfielders, Wright was decisive when naming his preferred attacking quartet.

He selected:

• Bukayo Saka on the right wing
• Gabriel Martinelli on the left
• Viktor Gyökeres as the central striker
• Martin Ødegaard as the No.10

“I’d have Saka on the right, Martinelli on the left, and I’d put Viktor Gyökeres up top,” Wright said.
“I’m still starting Ødegaard at No.10 — the captain isn’t getting dropped.”

The proposed setup would see Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard relegated to supporting roles, signalling a clear shake-up.

Wright’s insistence on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres points toward his belief that Arsenal lack a dominant, ruthless No.9 capable of deciding tight matches.

He dismissed alternatives such as Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke, suggesting Arsenal need a striker who brings presence, movement, and clinical finishing in open play.

“Of course Eze deserves a chance, but if it looks the same as what Ødegaard is doing, what’s the difference?” Wright added.

Pressure Mounts on Arteta Ahead of Key Decisions

With the January transfer window still open, Wright’s comments are likely to fuel speculation around Arsenal’s attacking priorities.

The Gunners remain firmly in the title race, but Wright believes adaptation — not stability — will determine whether Arsenal turn promise into silverware.

As Arsenal prepare for a defining run of fixtures, attention will turn to Arteta’s next selection calls and whether tactical tweaks arrive sooner rather than later.

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