Arsenal Legend Explains why Morata and Lukaku Have Hit the Ground Running

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku’s respective starts for Chelsea and Manchester United are being fuelled by past disappointments. The duo were both involved in big-money transfers this summer and have hit the ground running for their new clubs with six goals each in the Premier League so far.

Both arrived in slightly different circumstances, with Morata joining Chelsea after a year largely spent on the bench for Real Madrid, while Lukaku moved to United after starring for Everton and seeking a step up to a bigger club.

Wright believes that each back-story has contributed to them relishing their new roles this season, as they are finally being given the kind of position as leading man that they’ve been craving.

‘Both know they are loved, know they are the main man, and know they are in the right place at last,’ Wright wrote in The Sun.

‘Morata came from Real Madrid having never really had a chance to establish himself at the Bernabeu.

‘To be fair, with the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale, it was always going to be a pretty thankless task.

‘Yet even with those three and others ahead of him, he was clearly frustrated at being a back-up, so the move to England was a godsend.

‘Lukaku also made no secret of his frustration, even though he was the star at Everton.

‘He didn’t feel the club’s ambitions matched his own. Lukaku was desperate for Champions League football and despite everyone thinking it would be Chelsea who provided it, United and Jose are the ideal fit.’

In a surprise twist, United ended up signing Lukaku despite strong links with Morata prior to switching their focus, while Chelsea in turn had looked the early favourites to snap up the Belgian before opting for the Spaniard as a backup.

Pundits seemed to cast some doubt over both players as ideal for making the step up for either club, but Wright says they’ve already proven their critics wrong this season.

‘It’s ironic to think now that, when both signed for such huge fees, they arrived with a hefty dose of scepticism. There were plenty who were not convinced they could cut it at the top level,’ the former England striker added.

‘Yes, they’d done so at times, but could they do it on a regular basis? Well I think we’ve been given a fairly resounding answer already.’

Credit - Metro