Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres is facing mounting pressure to justify his hefty £87 million transfer fee as his goal output remains a point of concern for fans and pundits alike. Signed as a key component in the club’s pursuit of a Premier League title, the swedish international has scored five goals in 16 league appearances, prompting scrutiny of his performance and fit within Mikel Arteta’s system. Recent analysis from Sky Sports’ Charlie Austin and commentary on The Rest is Football podcast highlight growing concerns about Gyökeres’ impact, particularly against top-tier opposition.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres is facing early scrutiny as he adjusts to life in the Premier League.
Signed to be the final piece in Arsenal’s title pursuit, the Swedish international has come under pressure after a slow start to his campaign, with five goals in 16 league appearances.
“Time Isn’t on His Side”
Former Premier League forward Charlie Austin believes patience is wearing thin in London.
“Arsenal fans have been saying for seasons that a dedicated striker is what they need to win the league. They were hoping Gyökeres would come in and deliver. Unfortunately, time isn’t really on his side right now,” Austin said on Sky Sports.
He pointed to the hefty £87 million price tag and the immense expectations that come with it.
“He needs to start finding the back of the net and turn things around, because they’ve spent a lot of money on him. Ultimately, both the club and the supporters have rallied around him, convinced he’s the man to fire them to a league title.”
Austin also questioned whether the 27-year-old can consistently perform against the league’s top teams.
“Against the top sides, I don’t think he’s good enough. He’ll score goals against the weaker teams, though.”
Austin also opened the door for Mikel Arteta to consider changes up front.
“It’s hard to say if he should be dropped. The question is whether you stick with him until he finds form, or give others a chance.”
He specifically highlighted one player as a potential alternative.
“The player who stands out to me is Mikel Merino. Almost every time he’s been played up front, he’s scored. He performs for the team. Right now, it’s just not quite clicking with Gyökeres.”
POPULÆR: Til tross for manglende nettkjenninger, har Gyökeres blitt en favoritt i Nord-London. Her er et veggmaleri av svensken like ved Emirates Stadium. Foto: David Klein / Reuters / NTB
Austin stressed that transitioning to the Premier League is a demanding process.
“He’s going to need time. The jump from Portuguese to English football is huge.”
With Aston Villa looming as their next opponent, he was clear on what he would do.
“I’d go with Merino.”
“Needs to Gamble More”
Gary Lineker also believes the Swede has areas for improvement, particularly with his movement inside the box.
On the podcast The Rest Is Football, the former England captain explained what he feels is lacking.
“I’ve been watching him closely over the last few weeks. Like most strikers, he waits to see where the ball is going, then attacks the space. But that’s what defenders do too.”
Following Arsenal’s 2-1 win at home against Wolverhampton in December, Mikel Arteta was challenged by the British press about Gyökeres’ situation.
He admitted that it “is time” for Gyökeres to deliver.
“We need to keep fine-tuning and understanding him a little better in certain situations, and he needs to do the same. But it is time, and we have full support for him,” he said, as reported by ESPN.
ROS: Mikel Arteta fikk spissen sin i sommer. Nå mener han Viktor Gyökeres snart bør heve seg. Foto: OLI SCARFF / AFP / NTB
Lineker pointed to several specific adjustments Arsenal’s number 14 should make.
“As a striker, you have to gamble on where you think the ball is going. You have to run as the cross comes in, so you get a jump on the defender.”
He cited Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Robert Lewandowski as examples of strikers who have mastered this skill.
“I’ve always believed this can be learned. It’s about probability when you think about it.”
SPISSLEGENDER: Gary Lineker og Alan Shearer peker på flere faktorer Arsenal-spissen bør forbedre. Foto: Ben Whitley / Pa Photos / NTB
“Can’t Get Discouraged”
When the discussion turned to Arsenal’s wingers and their use of the “wrong” foot on the flanks, Alan Shearer quickly dismissed this as a primary explanation for Gyökeres’ struggles.
“It’s easier when you have a right-footed player on the right wing,” he said, before continuing:
“But Bukayo Saka can go both ways, and that makes it harder for the defender. It doesn’t stop you from gambling or making the first move.”
The Newcastle legend stressed that a striker must endure long periods without being rewarded.
“If the ball doesn’t come, so what? You can’t get discouraged. You have to keep running. If ten crosses come in and you get one of them, fine – you’ve done your job. That could be the winning goal.”
Shearer believes that the connection between players is still developing.
“Arsenal needs to get used to Gyökeres, and he needs to get used to them. That hasn’t quite happened yet.”
Lineker concluded by pointing to Haaland as an example of a striker type that is often misunderstood in the flow of play.
“People don’t see the 30 or 40 runs he makes into space without getting the ball. He just keeps going until he gets one chance,” Lineker finished.
