Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 18 August 2025 7:00, UK

Viktor Gyokeres should be ‘slightly concerned’ about his Arsenal debut, but will have chances to quickly turn things around.

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That is according to former Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who exclusively gave his verdict on the Arsenal debutant’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

Gyokeres to Arsenal was one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer, and with that in mind, there’s little surprise to see his debut come under heavy scrutiny.

However, the Sweden international struggled in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford, with just three touches in the opposition box and no shots attempted.

Expectations are high for Gyokeres (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

Thankfully for Arsenal, they were able to pick up all three points, with Riccardo Calafiori profiting from an Altay Bayindir mistake in the first half — while they were also helped by some heroics from goalkeeper David Raya.

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But they’ll need more from their new striker throughout the course of the season if they’re to finally end their three-year run of second-place finishes, and a 21-year title drought.

Stats vs Man UnitedViktor GyokeresShots attempted0Expected Goals0.0Chances created0Touches in opposition box3Passes completed4Viktor Gyokeres struggled against Man United (FotMob)

Le Tisser wasn’t particularly enamoured by Gyokeres’ showing against the Red Devils, but doesn’t think anyone should be judging too harshly until after Arsenal’s game at home to Leeds next weekend.

“Viktor Gyokeres has his debut under his belt, and it wasn’t a particularly impressive one, it has to be said,” Le Tissier told Football Insider.

“No shots on goal, which is slightly concerning, but they were playing Manchester United away, and the result is the most important thing.

“They picked up the three points, so he’s going to be happy, but slightly concerned.

“I would say to him that he should only be concerned if, after next week’s home game with Leeds, he still hasn’t had a shot.

“That’s the kind of game where he’ll pick up more chances.

Against Manchester United away and against all of the big teams away, it’s going to be difficult to create chances.

“All I’d say to him is don’t be too frustrated, it’s very early days and things will improve.”

*Le Tissier video needed here*

Football Insider verdict

There’s no getting away from it; Viktor Gyokeres’ stats against Man United make for awful reading.

Aside from shots and touches in the opposition box, the 27-year-old completed just four passes during his hour on the pitch, while losing five of his six aerial duels and five of seven ground duels.

However, there is context required.

Firstly, Gyokeres did cause Man United’s centre-backs problems simply by contesting those physical battles, while he often pulled them into uncomfortable positions with his runs into the channels.

What’s more, Arsenal completed just two crosses throughout the match, spending more time defending against Man United’s revamped attack.

Gyokeres cut an isolated figure at times, and if he’s to enjoy the sort of goalscoring output he experienced at Sporting CP and Coventry, he’ll need help and much better service from his teammates.

One match is not enough time to judge Gyokeres.
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