Viktor Gyökeres was recently received the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the highest-scoring player from the previous season for both club and country. It was a proud moment for Arsenal’s summer signing, who was photographed alongside members of the women’s team at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Hopefully, that experience helps him feel more at home in North London, as not every supporter has yet warmed to him.
Some sections of the fanbase can be quick to crown new heroes, yet strangely hesitant with Gyökeres. It’s not as though he hasn’t scored, and it’s worth remembering that even Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry took time to settle into life at Arsenal.
High expectations, slow start
When Andrea Berta secured the deal after long negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, excitement was huge. Gyökeres arrived on the back of an extraordinary 54 goals in 52 games last season – a figure so high it was always going to be difficult to match. Since joining Arsenal, he has faced the challenge of adapting to a new league and a very different system, one that demands more build-up play and patience in possession. The BBC have analysed Gyökeres performance this season ‘Ten games, three goals – Assessing Gyökeres Arsenal start’ which makes for an interesting read.
So far, he’s struggled to make a big impact in the biggest games, failing to register a shot on target at Old Trafford, Anfield, or against Manchester City. Yet that statistic says as much about Arsenal’s creativity as it does about the striker himself.
The service problem
Gyökeres is a traditional finisher who thrives on a consistent supply of chances. He was prolific in Portugal because Sporting played to his strengths, feeding him opportunities inside the box. Arsenal, by contrast, often dominate possession without creating clear chances. Even pundits have pointed out that Arsenal’s issue lies more in chance creation than in finishing.
Until the team finds a way to consistently deliver quality service into the box, judging Gyökeres too harshly would be unfair. He is adapting, working hard, and showing glimpses of the power and movement that made him so feared in Portugal.
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If Arsenal can start creating more for him, the goals will come – and with them, the recognition he deserves. The Gunners are on fire this season, with only 3 goals conceded in 10 games, across all competitions – Gyökeres finding his shooting boots can only add to Arsenal’s chances of securing silverware this season!
