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Arsenal legend Ian Wright issues transfer DEMAND after Liverpool defeat
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes his former club need to sign a “killer” after the Gunners fell to a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool despite their first-half domination.
Summer signing Kai Havertz was deployed through the middle in Gabriel Jesus’ absence, and the Germany international squandered several big chances in the first 45 minutes as Arsenal failed to capitalise on Liverpool’s defensive errors.
In the second-half, Jurgen Klopp’s side played their way back into proceedings and opened the scoring via a Jakub Kiwior own goal before Luis Diaz sealed their place in the next round with a 95th minute strike.
The result means Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup at the Third Round stage for just the third time since 1996, while Mikel Arteta’s men have now lost three games in a row.
The last time that happened was nearly two years ago when the Gunners lost three consecutive games against Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton in April 2022.
Furthermore, they have only won one of their last seven games in all competitions - their fewest total of wins over a seven-game period since Arteta replaced Unai Emery at the helm.
Ian Wright pleads for new Arsenal striker
Arsenal legend Wright was in attendance at the Emirates for Arsenal’s 2-0 loss versus Liverpool and during the match he posted a picture of himself on X along with the caption: “We need a killer.”
He posted this plea at half-time, with Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Reiss Nelson all guilty of missed chances.
We need a killer. pic.twitter.com/BqnwJ0wFMO
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 7, 2024
Despite their impressive defensive numbers across this season, Arsenal have been far less potent in attack than during the 2022-23 campaign and the lack of a “killer” goal-scoring is evident.
In a bid to fix that, Arsenal have targeted January moves for Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke, but it remains to be seen if they are able to sign either player. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also a reported target, but he is willing to discuss a pre-agreement move to Chelsea.