Jamie Redknapp believes Viktor Gyokeres has endured a challenging start to his Arsenal career, largely due to the physical demands of the Premier League. The striker arrived with a formidable reputation after excelling in Portugal, yet his adaptation to English football has proven more difficult than many expected.
Gyokeres was prolific during his time with Sporting Club, where he was regarded as virtually unstoppable and central to their success. His performances attracted interest from several top clubs in England, all willing to pay a substantial fee for his signature. Despite the opportunity for Sporting Club to earn more from a move elsewhere, the Swedish striker opted for Arsenal, a decision that ultimately forced the Portuguese club’s hand.
Adjusting to English Football
Life in England has not been straightforward for Gyokeres. While there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks, his overall output has not matched the heights he previously reached. He did score a penalty against Everton, but goals from open play have been difficult to come by, highlighting the challenges he continues to face.
Some Arsenal supporters have expressed surprise at his struggles, particularly given his physical stature and previous experience in the English game. However, it was always likely that Gyokeres would require time to adapt to the intensity and physical nature of the Premier League. The competition demands constant physical battles, quick decision-making, and an ability to impose oneself against well-organised defences.
Despite these issues, there remains a belief that his form will improve as he becomes more accustomed to the league. Arsenal continue to show faith in the striker, aware that patience is often required when players make the transition from other leagues into one of the most demanding competitions in world football.
Redknapp Assessment
Redknapp offered his perspective on Gyokeres’ performances, suggesting that the striker is still finding his feet. Speaking via the Metro, he said, ‘He did okay, it’s a struggle for him at the moment, I think he’s finding it hard up there.
‘It’s his fifth goal of the season… for whatever reason, and it shouldn’t be the case because he’s been in the English leagues before, it looks like he’s really struggling with the physicality of it.
‘Considering he’s a very big guy, I very rarely see him win a duel one on one, when I thought he could physically overpower people.’
Those comments reflect the view that Gyokeres’ challenge is not about talent, but adaptation. As he continues to settle, Arsenal will hope his qualities eventually translate into consistent impact.
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Simple….he has got to do better…
His touch / back to goal play / finishing is not good enough for the PL.
He gets a nudge (push !) from Jake O Brien ..ON THE GOAL LINE…to give us the lead goal and he falls in a heap looking for a peno…..
Ironically , he gets it in the very next play compliments of the same Jake …..
Fair play…a brill peno from Yoki…….
But he has got to give us more….
Jesus brought composure , compactness and a better touch….I liked him…
Not giving up on Yoki…..but we need to see more….
Delighted to be on top for Christmas.
Believe that we can be there in May.
Badly need the leadership of Gabby along with everthing else he brings…what a warrior…
He may not be a prolific scorer so farbbut he needs more assists and creativity from other players. Also he helps using other aspects of his game like physical power, great pace, creating chances for other players, great work rate
Let’s admit it.
Gyökeres is struggling. We signed a forward to score a LOT of goals for us, but he hasn’t. That’s can cost us the title. His attitude and work rate are excellent, but we need goals. I think Arsenal should look for alternatives asap. I think Arsenal should have signed with a consistent goal-scoring forward, who can score goals no matter where he plays. Forwards like Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney.
Victor osimhen would have been perfect profile but we have got Gyokeres. I like him for the sacrifice he made to come to Arsenal, I just hope he adapt and get his goal form quickly at Arsenal because it will be a shame if Havertz comes back and performs much more better than him.
How can it be ….a shame …..if Havertz comes back and performs better than Gyokeres ??
Thats ridiculous…..
I want the best team….the best CF ….to win us the PL…..
Havertz ; Gyokeres ; Jesus……
….just put out a WINNING TEAM !!
Yeah it shouldn’t be a shame. No one really has proven himself first choice in that position. Heck, even if Merino proves himself to be the form guy, by all means play him over the others.
Gyokeres had no pre season. Up to the Burnley game which he did not appear 2nd half due to injury he was looking very good. So was the team. Jesus on the left Gyokeres middle & changing over could be a very good option.
Gyok finds it hard to isolate himself from defenders which Haaland is doing easily. Maybe it’s due to the slow tempo of Arsenal attack which gives defenders enough time to mark our attackers.
Despite his wastefulness Sesko yesterday had plenty of scorable chances though he joined Utd late without having a pre season. I think the Arsenal way makes it difficult for no.9s to flourish rather more suitable for wing backs.
Besides physicality outpacing defenders, good positional sense and killer instinct make strikers prolific in epl. Gyok thus far has none of these. Hope he improves when Havertz comes back and takes his place for good. Like Ode comes Eze goes bench.
Its a real strange one. When we played Sporting and Gyokores, Saliba and Gabriel got bullied and bloodied. I was told and because we ended up buying him (reinforced that) Arteta spoke with them about Gyokores. And their response was, he was an absolute handful and as strong as an ox. He doesn’t look the same type of player we saw, when we played against him. He is a natural finisher but we haven’t seen that either, although service to him is sporadic at best.
I’m of the opinion that he is yet to hit peak fitness in addition to adjusting to a more physical league. Before the injury there were signs he was getting there physically. At the moment he looks a bit sluggish.
The plan was probably to ease him in as he gains fitness but the Havertz injury spoiled the plan.I think he’ll be better in the second half of the season.
It’s worth noting that we didn’t set up in a low block when they faced us. We were more open and there was space for him to attack.
By contrast, Arsenal faces deep blocks virtually every game. It’s difficult to thread through balls against a compact defence- most of the time the ball will be intercepted.
The best service for him is still crosses into the box from wide areas.He just needs to be in sync with the wingers and that takes time. His anticipation for crosses also should improve.The goals will come.
everyone saying he is slow against PL defenders..
well he barely gets any service in space due to our slow build up – he doesnt have electric burst of pace but is quick enough
I understand the low block but we need to take a bit of a chance to go for longer passes to a) get the oppo running more and b) to get us space quicker
We did that a couple of years ago and need to up the tempo… spate of injuries doesnt help as people always playing with different teamates though we saw early season when we won so many and didnt let shots let alone goals that we can control matches
onwards and upwards hopefully with a full squad for once to choose from
Hoping to see Jesus and Nwaneri tomorrow against Palace and Eze and Noni also …
COYG