Ian Wright explains why Arsenal needed to “freshen up” their squad after winning the Champions League | OneFootball

Ian Wright has explained why Arsenal needed to “freshen up” their squad after winning the Women’s Champions League.

Arsenal were expected to kick on and challenge for the Women’s Super League title, after lifting Europe’s most prestigious prize in May.

A mixed start to the season has left Arsenal eight points off the top of the table in the WSL, and 10th in the Women’s Champions League standings.

Speaking on the Crossways Podcast, Wright said “things have to change” if Arsenal are to challenge for the WSL title.

Ian Wright: Arsenal should have had a “clear out”

Arsenal legend Ian Wright feels the Gunners could have had a “clear out with some of the players” after winning the Champions League.

He told Steph Houghton on the Crossways podcast: “Well, I think Arsenal probably after (winning) the Champions League they should have had a clear out in some of the players. I’m not going to mention names because people think, ‘Oh you want to get rid of them’.

“But it does need to have a bit of a freshen up, like we’re seeing Chelsea do. Arsenal need to do that in the summer.”

Wright went on to explain that Arsenal will need to prepare for a “transition” so they can push for the league.

He explained: “When you’ve got players like Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, I think their contracts are coming into the last stages, three very experienced players.

“Arsenal really do need to start thinking about what we’re going to do in respects of that transition to get that team competing to where they should be in terms of pushing to win the league.”

Houghton agreed with Wright, saying: ” Something needs to change because what’s happening now is not working in terms of performances. Players are a bit out of form. I think if you bring in some fresh players with a bit of a personality, a bit more energy, you don’t know what can happen in terms of that next push towards the end of the season.”

The comments from Wright and Houghton come amid reports from the Athletic that the Arsenal dressing room has been “splintered for many years” and that there has been tension among players.

What areas do Arsenal need to strengthen?

Wright and Houghton both agreed that Arsenal need to replace Lia Walti, who left the club in the summer.

Houghton said: “I think to get the best out of your midfielders, I don’t think you have that natural sitter that Lia Walti was for you guys, and both footed as well. She solved a lot of problems defensively and even starting attacks.”

Both Wright and Houghton also liked the idea of bringing in a back-up right back for Emily Fox. This comes after rumours that Arsenal are closing in on a move for Swedish international Smilla Holmberg.

They agreed that it would be good to offer competition to starting right-back Emily Fox. However Wright also had his concerns, despite being impressed with Holmberg’s final ball.

He said: “At 19, do you really want to be coming into a team like Arsenal? Who don’t have a great track record of bringing through young players and getting them to play regularly. You’re going to be behind an American international in Emily Fox.”