He switched off: Wright fingers Arsenal player over defeat to Aston Villa

Former Arsenal star, Ian Wright, has singled out Gabriel Martinelli for criticisms after the Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend.

Martinelli was accused of “switching off” during the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, which has now made their league title hopes slimmer.

Goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins was all Unai Emery’s men needed to win all three points against Arsenal.

The Gunners had hope to return to the top of the table following Liverpool’s shock defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in the day.

Sharing his opinion Arsenal’s defeat for Premier League Productions, Wright berated Martinelli’s lack of awareness in the build-up to the opening goal.

According to Wright, the Brazilian forward, who replaced Leandro Trossard in the second half allowed Bailey roam free at the back post and pass in Lucas Digne’s cross which led to Villa’s first goal.

He said: “Look at Martinelli, this is what we’ve been saying because Arsenal have been so good defensively this season.

“Everyone has been switched on but in this instance, he switches off. Bailey is his man, that’s his man in this situation. He has to get closer to him, it’s as simple as that.”