Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Ian Wright has criticised the defensive formation deployed by Unai Emery during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League. The north London giants had gone into the game with the best chance of ending their 13-year winless league streak at Old Trafford but there were disappointing with limited threat on goal.

Speaking after the game, Wright said that Emery should have gone with a creative player in the form of Dani Ceballos. He added that Lucas Torreira should have played as the holding midfielder ahead of Granit Xhaka, who may have been better off on the bench, he told Optus Sport: “The disappointing thing from my side of it, when you look at chances created, Arsenal did do as much in the second half but I think his selection initially [was wrong].

“With [Granit] Xhaka being the captain it then takes it away from [Lucas] Torreira, because I think Torreira should start and he did. But I do believe [Dani] Ceballos should start. They could have the protection of Torreira and [Matteo] Guendouzi and a bit more creativity. Because when you see Aubameyang get one chance, he takes the chance.”

Arsenal created three clear-cut chances during the game and two of those fell to young graduate Bukayo Saka, who could not impress with the finishing. Still, the Capital outfit came up with a share of the spoils after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal before the hour mark cancelled out Scott McTominay’s opener for the Red Devils.

With the point, the Gunners have propelled into the top four with 12 points and they are currently ahead of West Ham United on the number of goals scored. Next up, they have a home game against Standard Liege in the Europa League before hosting Bournemouth in the Premier League before the international break.