Viktor Gyokeres hints at lack of Arsenal chances in message Mikel Arteta must hear
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(Credit: Manh Tung/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Aasif Rahman
Wed 24 September 2025 12:30, UK
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been criticised for his latest displays at the club, but he may have hinted at what can make him flourish under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal signed Gyokeres from Sporting CP after a drawn-out summer saga, for an initial fee of around £55 million in a busy summer window.
Expectations were high for the club’s new blockbuster striker signing, but despite scoring three goals in six games at the club, Gyokeres has come under criticism, with his style of play coming under particular scrutiny.
Even after the Swede’s goals, Troy Deeney criticised Gyokeres, arguing he will only turn up against the “lesser teams”.
His prediction may run true, as against Man City, he managed no shots, and the fewest touches of any outfield player to play for 90 minutes.
Credit: Imago
The 27-year-old arrived in England off the back off a fantastic two seasons in Portugal, with the striker ending the 2024-25 season with 54 goals last term.
That record saw Gyokeres win the the Gerd Muller trophy during recent Ballon d’Or celebrations.
But he’s not the type of striker who drops deep to create chances on the half-turn – he thrives on service from his teammates.
In a recent interview with Spanish journalist Guillem Balague during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, he was asked what makes a top striker.
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“A lot of factors,” he said.
“Obviously have to play in a team where you create chances, get chances, connect with the team.
After that it’s desire to score, it’s really important.”
Since October 2022, Gyokeres has had just one game where he had no shots for Sporting, but that has already happened three times at Arsenal, showcasing his lack of service so far.
His answer may be a hint to the manager to trust his creative profiles in the team, and it comes after Arteta was slammed for dropping Eberechi Eze against Man City.
Eze then created the most Expected Assists in just 45 minutes, something that Gyokeres could’ve benefited from earlier in the game.
Arsenal’s lack of creativity is evident, with Arteta’s men creating 0.00 xG in the opening 30 minutes against City.
With Arsenal coming up against Port Vale on 24 September and Newcastle the following weekend, Arteta has a chance to give his creative players more license, potentially unlocking Gyokeres’ goalscoring potential.