Credit - Imago

Chris Smith

Sun 17 August 2025 20:32, UK

Viktor Gyokeres endured a tough Arsenal debut during their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

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The Gunners took all three points from Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the Premier League, with Riccardo Calafiori’s 13th-minute goal proving the difference.

Calafiori’s goal came courtesy of an error from stand-in United stopper Altay Bayindir, who failed to deal with a Declan Rice corner into the six-yard box.

But while Arsenal have plenty to celebrate, Gyokeres will be walking away licking a few wounds.

A lot is expected of Gyokeres at Arsenal (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Gyokeres’ stats from Sunday’s lively encounter make for terrible reading.

The Sweden international failed to attempt a shot in a single match for the first time since he left Coventry City in 2023, while he created zero chances and completed just four passes (FotMob).

Only three of the 27-year-old’s 21 touches came inside the opposition box, while Gyokeres was beaten in five of his six aerial duels and five of his seven ground duels.

Football Insider verdict

Gyokeres boasted an incredible record at Sporting CP(Credit: Imago)

While the data makes for uncomfortable reading, there is more to Gyokeres’ performance than raw numbers.

The Sweden international never let his head drop at Old Trafford, constantly battling against United’s three centre-backs and often doing so alone.

What’s more, Gyokeres managed to drag said defenders into uncomfortable areas with his runs into the channels, creating space for those around him and helping relieve some pressure on Arsenal’s own box.

And, of course, Gyokeres cannot be blamed solely for having just three touches in the United penalty area.

After all, Arsenal managed just two accurate crosses throughout the entire afternoon, with Gyokeres horribly starved of service.

Given how long it took Arsenal to sign him – or any striker, for that matter – Gyokeres will naturally carry plenty of pressure, with his every move scrutinised.

He will certainly want to improve on this performance, but context and patience are required rather than a debut witch hunt.

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