Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright says he does not believe Joe Willock will ever get a proper chance with the Gunners following his impressive debut on loan at Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old made the switch on transfer deadline day to the North East, and made an immediate impact on his debut for Steve Bruce's side, scoring the opening goal in their 3-2 win over Southampton at St James' Park.
Willock broke into the box late to latch onto a cut-back from Allan Saint-Maximin, keeping calm to fire low past Alex McCarthy.
Wright says that while he is pleased for the youngster, he does not believe Willock will be afforded the same opportunities in North London as he will be at Newcastle.
"I’m delighted for him," Wright said on Match of the Day. "He said to Saint-Maximin, when he does break down the wing, cut it back as he’ll be there. That’s what he does.
"He’s a box-to-box midfielder and I don’t think he’ll ever get the opportunity at Arsenal to play like he did for Newcastle, or stay in the team long enough to do it.
"I just don’t think they’d give him the opportunity to stay in the team. It’s what he does, he gets in the box and he can finish.
"I was really pleased for him as, like I say, he’s been at Arsenal for a long time and it must have been a very hard decision for him to say he’ll go out on loan.
"He did enjoy his game, five tackles as well, winning the ball back to get Newcastle on the break. When you consider that, before this game, Almiron had two goals, Hendrick had two and Shelvey had one, they need goals from the midfield.
"When you look at Willock trying to get in there, he gets in there with purpose and, when he does get there, he doesn’t panic.
"Delighted for Joe as it’s a very integral time in his career at the minute."
