"He's desperate to do well" – Ian Wright slams Arsenal star after win over Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal great Ian Wright has hit out at Gabriel Martinelli for his sub-par judgement in a recent 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Earlier this Saturday (August 17), the Gunners triumphed over Wolves in their 2024-25 Premier League season opener. Kai Havertz bagged the opener in the 25th minute before Bukayo Saka's 74th-minute goal.

However, Arsenal could have doubled their lead in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli was in a position to cut back to Declan Rice before the break, but the Brazilian went for goal himself and wasted a good opportunity.

Speaking to the Premier League Productions, Wright opined on the 23-year-old Brazilian's questionable decision-making. He said (h/t HITC):

"This one here is a bit disappointing for me because he has got the opportunity to cut back to Declan Rice. Just lay that into Declan, go 2-0 up and go in at half-time. I know that he's desperate to do well because he has got [Leandro] Trossard on the bench."

Wright, who played for Arsenal between 1991 and 1998, concluded:

"He had a poor season last year, Martinelli. But, he's trying to impress upon the manager, but give that back to Declan Rice, 2-0, and then you probably get your goal in the second half."

Last season, Martinelli registered eight goals and five assists in 44 total matches for Arsenal. Leandro Trossard, on the other hand, scored 17 goals and recorded two assists in 46 matches across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta provides thoughts on Arsenal's display in Premier League opening contest

After his side's recent win at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dissected the Gunners' display. He opined (h/t The Guardian):

"The first half, we were really good, really aggressive, really intense, with a lot of purpose to attack. Probably we should have scored two or three and the game would have been different. In the second half, we were sloppy in moments and didn't control some giveaways inside, which against this team in particular can be difficult."

Arteta, who guided his club to a second-place finish last term, added:

"Then, the game was a bit more open. Then, Bukayo had an unbelievable action to score for 2-0 and it was a different game. Win in any context. You'll have better days, or worse days. The opposition will guide you to play in a specific type of way. Today, we won in a convincing way, but probably in a different way because it's what the game requires."

The north London outfit relished 53% possession, registered 18 shots, and completed 357 passes with a fine accuracy of 85% on Saturday.

The Gunners will next take on Aston Villa on Saturday (August 24).