Ian Wright questions whether he would want an Erling Haaland-type striker among Arsenal’s ranks
‘It could upset the balance’: Ian Wright wonders if he would want an Erling Haaland-type striker in Arsenal’s ranks, insisting the club’s success this season comes from their agility across the board field
- Ian Wright discusses whether a real striker could be good for Arsenal
- Former Arsenal striker suggested their success lies in versatility on the pitch
- Wished Erling Haaland well but insinuated he is happy with their team form
Ian Wright seems to be suggesting he’s glad Arsenal don’t have an Erling Haaland-type figure in their squad.
Haaland has had a remarkable season at Manchester City, scoring 47 goals in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side chased the treble.
The Norwegian scored two more goals on Saturday to further close the gap to league leaders Arsenal, with City and Haaland really starting to get into gear as the season enters its final straight.
Despite Haaland’s amazing record so far this season, Wright is unsure if such a striker would improve Arsenal, for whom he played for seven years between 1991 and 1998, to become their record goalscorer before Thierry Henry took the title.
Speak against The athletic Turning to the top two in the Premier League, Wright praised the style nurtured by Arteta this season, questioning whether a striker of Haaland’s ilk would be beneficial to Arsenal.
Ian Wright has questioned whether or not an Erling Haaland-type striker would be beneficial for Arsenal
The former Arsenal striker has praised Haaland’s season but insisted the threat from the front-runners from all over is working for them
Haaland scored his 46th and 47th goal of a remarkable season against Leicester on Saturday
“Off the ball from the back, Thomas Partey, (Martin) Odegaard, (Bukayo) Saka, (Leandro) Trossard, (Gabriel) Martinelli, (Gabriel) Jesus – so many different ways to hurt a team,” said Wright.
“As much as I was very happy to be someone who was the main goalscorer at the time, and you want someone who scores between 15 and 25 league goals a season.
“I believe that if you can spread out the targets, people can’t plan for them.
“Of course you’re looking at Erling Haaland. Magnificently. Great what he is doing and good luck to him.
“But would I change what we do for someone who scores goals like that? Don’t know. It can upset the balance of what is going on. I’m not sure.’
Debate has raged all season over whether Haaland has made City better or worse, although in recent weeks and months he has appeared to mock those who question his undue influence.
Guardiola called Haaland ‘unstoppable’ after another brilliant performance over the weekend.
The Norwegian received praise from his manager Pep Guardiola after another stunning performance
“I think the connection between Erling and Kevin (De Bruyne) is clear,” said Guardiola. “I think Kevin needs the runners to deliver his greatest quality.
Erling needs an assist player to make his positive runs. It’s a natural way. We talk a lot about “watch him when he runs and put the ball there”.
“When the ball is good and he has this space, he is unstoppable. We know. But they have a special bond and you can see it.
“But what I like about that second goal is that Kevin won the game. I love that. He won the duel and then Erling’s run and finish was fantastic.’
