Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Viktor Gyokeres may find it difficult to thrive at Arsenal due to the playing styles of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. The Swede joined the Gunners this season with expectations that he would deliver goals at the Emirates, but his start to life in England has proven challenging.
Gyokeres arrived with a strong reputation and was expected to add a cutting edge to Arsenal’s attack. However, his output has fallen short of expectations so far. While he has worked hard and contributed defensively, goals have been limited, leading to growing scrutiny of his role within the team. Supporters have noted that his struggles are not solely down to his own performances, but also the lack of service he receives in attacking positions.
Attacking dynamics limiting striker impact
The striker has found adapting to the Premier League more demanding than anticipated. One of the key issues identified is the support from wide areas. Gyokeres relies on early balls into the box and quick service, yet those opportunities have been inconsistent. Arsenal’s attacking structure often sees wide players prioritising individual actions rather than delivering crosses into central areas.
This has left Gyokeres isolated during matches, with much of his contribution limited to pressing defenders and linking play rather than finishing chances. While his work rate is appreciated, a striker signed primarily for goals is always judged on output in front of goal.
Redknapp highlights tactical frustration
Redknapp has closely analysed Arsenal’s performances and believes the tendencies of Martinelli and Saka are contributing to the issue. Speaking according to Standard Sport, he explained how their preference to cut inside can reduce opportunities for the striker. He said, “When he plays for Arsenal, the major problem is Bukayo Saka plays on the right, he’s left-footed. [Gabriel] Martinelli, the same. He wants to cut back on his right foot.
“So when Bukayo Saka gets into that position to start with instead of firing it across the face [of goal], he wants to chop back. So that’s where the frustration comes.”
Redknapp’s comments underline a tactical challenge Arsenal may need to address. If Gyokeres is to succeed, greater balance may be required in the final third to ensure he receives the service needed to convert chances and justify his role in the side.
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As much as I agree that Gykoeres needs to improve his game, we do waste some of the good chances that will give him the chance to score.
For instance, the goal he got against Chelsea. Before Sanchez’s fumble from Ben’s White’s cross, Saka could have simply cross it and be much more straight. Somehow, Saka pulled back.
And odegaard he always hold on to the ball and later play it wide instead of a through ball. I notice the midfield is more compact with eze in the middle, odegaard leave the midfield open by focusing on saka, it only take two to three pass for the opponent to reach the eighteen yard box that the reason they have been conceding goals lately
SAKA is a player who can both outside and send in a cross and can inside to take a strike on goal,in that same match SAKA crosses the ball into the box the moment Gyokeres was taken off,so it’s not a question of being right or left foot for SAKA he simply doesn’t want to pass to Gyokeres to score goals for the club, he wants to remain the focus of discussion anytime Arsenal is mentioned
Why everybody is talking about arsenal players not passing the ball to some players in the team I watch the goal that gyokeres scored he like to stay in that position u just cross the ball he will find it but if it was saka that make that run instead of Ben he will not cross where gyokeres is because to many defenders around he will make a pass free player coming in to have a clear shot that how arsenal score all the goals when gyokeres pass the ball to zubimendi that an example too many defenders around him don’t say that odegard don’t pass the ball to gyokeres because he is the one that give the ball gyokeres for the penalty and he did the same thing to Kai please let arsenal play the way the coach wants if there is a problem I am sure arteta will figure it out and the coach around him
I don’t think Saka doesn’t want to pass to Gyokeres deliberately. I think its boiled down to his style of play rather than emotion. He’s a player who hold on to the ball, invite a defender and maneuver his way into the box. He’s not such a quick dribbler if you observe him well, most of his crosses are inside the box. I think Arsenal bought a strike whose pattern doesn’t fit arsenal.
The two arsenal wingers play as if the team still lacked a true striker.
I agree with Jamie.The only thing is Arsenal ‘s wingers are playing as if they don’t have number 9. If only wingers can switch the play from the rest the team style and quickly cross the ball in the box, Gyokeres will score more goals. He is quick,skilful and strong.He is always trying to go and link up with play.