Arsenal fans have been urged to manage their expectations when it comes to new signing Viktor Gyökeres, despite the widespread belief that he was the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in early 2022, the Gunners have been searching for a consistent and clinical No. 9 to lead the line. Over the past few transfer windows, Arteta has identified a number of targets including Alexander Isak and Dusan Vlahovic, but Arsenal were unable to land either of them. That search finally came to an end this summer when they secured Gyökeres from Sporting CP for a fee of around £64 million.
The Swedish striker has made a decent start on paper, scoring two goals in his first three appearances. However, questions are already being raised about whether he has what it takes to deliver in the matches that matter most.
In Arsenal’s biggest fixtures so far – against title rivals Liverpool and Manchester United – Gyökeres failed to make much of an impact. His most notable performance instead came against Leeds, a side Arsenal were expected to beat comfortably regardless.
This has left some wondering whether fans should be concerned about his lack of influence in the marquee games. While it is arguably too soon to jump to conclusions, doubts are beginning to creep in. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney was among those voicing concern. Speaking on his TikTok channel, Deeney openly questioned whether Gyökeres can step up when the pressure is highest.
“Where was Gyökeres in the big games? In the big moments? Where was he?” Deeney asked. “I think he’ll score a fair amount this season, somewhere between 16 and 20 league goals. But the problem is, I expect most of those to come against the likes of Leeds, Wolves, or West Ham.
They signed him to score in the decisive matches, and so far he hasn’t turned up. Waste of money is a little harsh, but long-term I think Arsenal supporters will feel let down. I just don’t see him as the striker to carry them through a title race.”
The reality is that there was always going to be intense pressure on Gyökeres after Arsenal’s prolonged hunt for a striker. The club spent big money with the expectation that he would deliver when the stakes are highest. For now, though, he is still waiting for that defining breakthrough performance.
Some observers suggest the issue lies in the system rather than the player. Gyökeres excelled in Sporting’s fast, free-flowing attacking style, but has not yet fully adapted to Arteta’s more patient, possession-based approach.
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has argued that if the Gunners can rediscover the transitional style of football that brought them so close to the title in 2022-23, Gyökeres may finally show why Arsenal invested so heavily in him.
