'It's not happening for him' - Wright gives advice to struggling Arsenal star after Oxford win

Ian Wright has urged Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga to remain "patient" after acknowledging concerns over his performance.

Lokonga joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for an initial fee of £15million from Belgian side Anderlecht around 18 months ago, with the 23-year-old tipped to be the long-term answer in the middle of Arsenal pitch.

However, he has made just 14 Premier League starts since joining the Emirates Stadium and has struggled to make an impact when given the chance.

And it was on again as Arsenal beat Oxford United 3-0 in the FA Cup third round on Monday night with the Belgium international replaced in the 62nd minute by Granit Xhaka.

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Mohamed Elneny's header opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 63rd minute before Eddie Nketiah sealed their progress with two well-taken finishes.

And Wright is concerned about the lack of impact Lokonga had on the game before he was knocked out, but he still has faith he can get good at Arsenal.

Wright said on ITV Sport: "I think with Lokonga, Oxford played very well in the time he was in, it was very difficult for him to find space.

"Unfortunately for him, he was removed and Vieira stayed and he was able to show quality once they were tired and he had a little more space.

"You hope that at some point this will happen for Lokonga because at the moment it doesn't seem like it will happen for him. He just has to be patient I think."

Unlike Lokonga, Nketiah is a player who has taken his chances in recent weeks with the Arsenal striker scoring five goals in his last five appearances.

Wright added, "Eddie has that quality, you back him to finish those chances.

"They have confidence in him, it's sad to be without Gabriel Jesus but we know what Eddie is capable of. He will feel better before the next game."

And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was delighted to see Nketiah back on the scoresheet and the Spaniard believes his striker is 'getting better and better'.

"Obviously he was waiting for this moment," Arteta said of Nketiah after the win.

"He was patient when needed, but he was also in the right frame of mind and prepared for this moment.

"That's why I think he looks ready and why he behaves the way he does. He showed great composure.

"He is an excellent finisher, the timing of his runs and the decision-making while waiting until the last moment the goalkeeper has committed shows his quality.

"His understanding, his work rate, I think he's getting better and better."

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