Ian Wright highlights absence of 'big' Arsenal player in new XI

The Gunners are unbeaten in their first three league games in Mikel Arteta’s new XI, but have their performances justified this change?

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has voiced his concern over the team’s defense.

Wright believes that the absence of Gabriel Magalhães was felt during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Fulham. He believes the defender could’ve made a difference, especially during Fulham’s late equalizer.

“I know the fans are a little bit worried about Gabriel not playing,” Wright said on Premier League Productions.

“He gives us solidity in there and when they scored that goal at the death at the corner, it’s something our big defender would be there [for].

Gabriel, a starting regular in the defense last term, has not started at all this season. He came off the bench twice against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, but didn’t feature in the Fulham game.

Instead, Mikel Arteta has favored partnering Ben White alongside William Saliba. The Arsenal manager has also put Thomas Partey into a right-back role.

Can Arsenal turn things around?

Despite Arsenal coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1, they were unable to hold on to their lead. Wright attributed this to a lack of confidence in managing the game.

However, he remains optimistic about the team’s progress and suggested that with some more time to gel, Arsenal will be a force to be reckoned with.

“There is a little bit of gelling still happening with Arsenal but we haven’t lost so you have to stay positive,” the former striker added.

Arsenal return to action on Sunday at home to Manchester United in the Premier League.