Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his disappointment with Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling following their underwhelming performances in the Gunners’ recent 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
“Unacceptable!” – Ian Wright Blasts Arsenal Duo for Poor Showing vs Leicester
Despite the win, Wright believes the duo failed to capitalize on the opportunity to lead Arsenal’s attack amid an ongoing injury crisis.
With key forwards like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injuries, manager Mikel Arteta has had to rely on Trossard, Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to spearhead the offense.
Nwaneri impressed during the match, hitting both the post and the crossbar, showcasing his potential and determination.
In contrast, Sterling’s performance raised concerns, as he completed zero dribbles and struggled to make a meaningful impact.
Wright, speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, emphasized the urgency for Sterling to step up:
“The opportunity has arisen for him. This is the time where he should buckle down and say, ‘I have to make this work’—otherwise, he’ll go out with a whimper.”
Trossard, deployed as a center-forward, also failed to influence the game significantly.
Wright questioned Trossard’s commitment during critical moments, suggesting that his casual approach led to unnecessary turnovers.
“You can’t give the ball away, you can’t lose the ball. Especially in the manner he did it there, it’s almost flippant,” Wright commented.
The mounting injuries have left Arsenal’s attacking options thin, increasing the pressure on experienced players like Sterling and Trossard to deliver.
Wright’s critique underscores the necessity for these senior players to elevate their performances and support emerging talents like Nwaneri.
As the Gunners strive to remain competitive in the Premier League title race, the contributions of their available forwards are crucial.
Wright’s candid assessment serves as a call to action for Sterling and Trossard to rise to the occasion and fulfill the team’s expectations during this challenging period.
