Ian Wright says Arsenal needs three players to step up for Premier League success

Ian Wright has highlighted three Arsenal players who he believes must "step up" in order for the Gunners to finally clinch a Premier League trophy.

It has been over two decades since the Gunners last won the title, although Mikel Arteta’s side have come agonisingly close to ending that drought with back-to-back second-place finishes.

Arsenal finished five points behind Manchester City in 2022-23 and just two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side last season, taking the title race down to the final day before falling just short.

Wright’s former club made a promising start to the new season, beating Wolves 2-0 on the opening weekend to suggest a third successive title challenge is on the horizon.

Ex-striker Wright is optimistic about Arsenal’s chances this season but says three players – Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson – will need to ‘bring more’ and contribute to the title tilt.

Jesus underwhelmed for Arsenal last season, scoring just four goals in the Premier League and losing his place in the team to Kai Havertz. Martinelli also struggled following a superb 2022-23 campaign.

‘Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have to bring more,’ Wright said on his podcast.

‘They both had half-decent seasons, they’ve got to have more goals in them than what we saw last season. I think it’s a big season for them.’

Wright is also ‘praying’ that Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson can finally enjoy a breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium after showing glimpses of his potential last year.

‘For me, Reiss Nelson has a massive season coming up,’ the 60-year-old added.

‘We saw Saka come off the other day and Reiss Nelson needs to step into that and deliver.

‘He’s been around the squad and the manager for long enough now. He needs to produce the performances.

‘Our bench is going to be very important. If Reiss goes another season where he’s just in the wings, I don’t understand what that’s going to do for him and his career.

‘This is a massive season for him and I really pray he can kick in and do something.’

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against Aston Villa, who kick-started their season with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

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