Viktor Gyokeres would have liked to score more goals for Arsenal since completing his move to the club in the summer, but his overall contribution has still been significant. The striker was signed with the expectation of adding goals to the Gunners’ attack, and while his numbers have not yet reached that level, his influence on the team has been clear.
Importance beyond goals
Despite his lack of goals, Gyokeres has been one of Arsenal’s most important players. His physical condition has been strong, and he has earned a substantial amount of playing time over the last few weeks. His work rate, movement and overall presence have added value to the side, even when he has not found the back of the net.
However, Mikel Arteta is aware that more goals are required from his striker, and there is increasing pressure for Gyokeres to improve his output. Arsenal remain committed to supporting him both on and off the pitch, to help him settle fully and gain consistency through regular minutes. The club understands that adapting to a new environment can take time, particularly for a player who previously enjoyed prolific form at Sporting Club in Portugal.
The Gunners remain confident that Gyokeres will eventually deliver in front of goal. There is a strong belief within the squad that his performances will soon translate into the numbers expected from a forward leading the line at the highest level.
Arteta explains the adaptation process
Arteta has once again offered insight into why the striker’s goal return has not yet matched expectations. Speaking as reported by Sky Sports, the Arsenal manager highlighted the challenges Gyokeres has faced since arriving in England.
He said, “With Viktor, you come to a new country, do you speak the language? What is your family’s situation? Because there [with your family] you are very protected but he comes here and he’s exposed on his own and he needs to live five months in a hotel.
“Then you start to come here and the schedule changes. You have to play every three days in the most demanding league in the world that you’ve never played before.
“Then it’s a different system, a different methodology, different teammates. And a No 9 needs that synergy and that chemistry with them.”
Arteta’s comments show Arsenal’s patience and belief that time and stability will allow Gyokeres to reach his full potential.
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Yes for sure : patience and understanding are important . Gyokeres will get every chance but you go on form and this is a game we have to win….turn the screw from the first minute. Right now IMO…Jesus deserves to start : he is fired up and ready. He carries a greater threat RIGHT NOW than Gyokeres….
It’s natural for the manager to select a team that is working and winning consistently. Gyok plays a role and will likely make way for “closer” Jesus later on.
Agreed but I think Gyokeres is making it easier for Jesus as defenders are tired by 64th minute when Jesus comes on. It’s a good formula at present so I would stick with Gyo and keeping it tight and then expand 2nd half.
Well Sesko got 2 goals last night after a lena spell so hopefully now Gyokeres to get a bit of luck and do the same tonight !
He is certainly creating opportunities for the others in the team and be good for him to get some reward for his hard work
COYG !!!
Tonight sorry the dullest performance of Gyokeres since he joined Arsenal. In January better if he’s loaned out to Brighton or Coventry to regain his mojo. We’ve Jesus and Havertz at no.9.
“Does he speak the language” – err, he came from the Championship. Excuses are stretching now. He’s highly experienced, he’s had plenty of time to adapt. He’s just not up to Premier League level. His core skills and control appear poor – can you imagine him coming on and scoring the goal Jesus scored last week? His anticipation is often poor – especially last night against Liverpool. He sure can put his boot through the ball (though oddly is easily pushed off the ball), so he’s great on penalties. Otherwise, expensive passenger who was bought to score goals.
Yes I watched an interview with him, his English is probably better than mine!
My worry is that it’s not like he’s missing chances, he’s not even getting into scoring situations.
I hardly saw him last night to be honest.
For sure there’s every chance he will come right, but right now with the situation where we are in, we can’t have passengers. I am not saying he is dragging the team down, just think in the PL we can’t afford to have players trying to find their feet, especially against big teams.
I am hoping he proves me wrong, one goal can change everything, which is why I desperately wanted him to score last night.
Merino has never played more than 2 games without scoring or providing an assist. Why does the manager keep playing Gyokeres when Merino is available? Bench Gyokeres and go with Merino.
A good manager would have upset Liverpool plans yesterday but fielding players from the bench instead and they would have found it difficult. Eze, Noni, Jesus, etc would have started the game. Arteta is a little bit short in his tactics. he plays the same line-up everyday making those on the bench lack confidence. He has no clue about the psychology of breaking down opposing teams. Every player on that bench could play well aginst any team in the world.
Gyokeres is struggling due to lack of supply form odegaard. The number 8 needs to start playing as a number 8 and not taking the ball off Zubemendi in our half and not influencing the game from that pisition. If odegaard cant do this then the better of thr 2, Eze should be brought in. When Eze plays the back 4 or Zubemendi wont give him the ball, but when odegaard starts he receives the ball all the time with no end product. Its so frustrating watching the team at the moment due to being afraid to lose. We have a fantastic squad and Gyokeres must be so frustrated too. He should sit the squad down and show them a video of his goals at Sporting Lisbon. Then the penny might drop with Artete. EZE in for Odegaard