“This is a big moment...to deliver, and now it’s their turn."—Ian Wright Urges Arsenal’s Trio to Step Up in Match Against Manchester United

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has sent a strong message to Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling, urging them to step up and lead the Gunners through a crucial part of the season. With a tight Premier League title race unfolding, Wright believes it’s time for these stars to shine if Arsenal hopes to keep up with Liverpool, who have stormed ahead under the leadership of Arne Slot.

After struggling in recent weeks due to captain Martin Ødegaard’s absence, Arsenal have bounced back with three straight wins in all competitions. This winning streak has propelled them to second place in the Premier League table, trailing Liverpool by nine points. Liverpool’s strong start to the season has made them the title favorites, putting pressure on Arsenal to keep pace.

The Gunners have a golden opportunity to close the gap when they face Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are riding high after a dominant 4-0 win over Everton, which marked a promising start to Amorim’s reign.

Speaking on The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Ian Wright highlighted the importance of this fixture for Arsenal. He believes the Gunners must win to keep their title hopes alive.

“With Manchester United and the form they’re showing under Amorim, this will be a different challenge,” Wright said. “It’s a game Arsenal have to win. For United, it’s a bit of a free hit, given their recent improvement.

“It’ll be fascinating to see how United cope without the ball against Arsenal. If they can hold their shape and remain a threat, they’ll be a problem.”

Wright singled out Martinelli, Jesus, and Sterling as key players who need to deliver in this critical period. He stressed that title-winning teams need contributions from more than just their usual stars, especially when facing tough competition.

“This is a big moment for Martinelli, Jesus, and Sterling,” Wright stated. “At different stages of the season, players are called upon to deliver, and now it’s their turn.

“If Arsenal are to catch Liverpool and fend off challenges from the likes of Chelsea, it’ll require contributions beyond the first XI. The players stepping in must make an impact.”

Wright also took a moment to praise Bukayo Saka for his consistent performances during Ødegaard’s injury. Saka played a vital role in keeping Arsenal competitive during that difficult stretch.

“Saka’s brilliance has been a constant, even when Ødegaard was out,” Wright said. “He carried the team during that period and has only elevated his game since the captain’s return. Ødegaard is like Rodri for City—a central cog in the machine. Losing him disrupts too much.”

Wright’s comparison of Ødegaard to Manchester City’s Rodri highlights how crucial the Norwegian is to Arsenal’s system. His absence earlier in the season caused noticeable disruptions, but Saka’s leadership helped the team stay afloat.

As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester United, all eyes will be on how Martinelli, Jesus, and Sterling respond to Wright’s challenge. A win against United could not only close the gap on Liverpool but also send a message to the rest of the league that Arsenal is still in the title race.