Viktor Gyokeres and £54.5m Arsenal Duo – Three Players Mikel Arteta Must Axe vs Tottenham

Ahead of Arsenal's crucial North London Derby against Tottenham on February 22, 2026, Mikel Arteta faces tough selection dilemmas. With Arsenal topping the Premier League table at 17-7-3 (58 points), they must maximize their squad against a struggling Spurs side (7-8-11, 29 points). The article argues Arteta should axe three underperforming players—linked to Viktor Gyokeres and a £54.5m duo—to sharpen the attack.[2][3]

Viktor Gyokeres' Struggles

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's summer signing from Sporting CP after a 54-goal season, has managed just 8 goals in 25 matches. In his last 15 Premier League games, he's registered only six shots on target, converting four. Despite 13 goals and 2 assists overall, his lack of positioning hampers Arsenal's title push. The piece suggests benching him for the derby, favoring more clinical options like Leandro Trossard (5 goals, 5 assists).[1][3]

The £54.5m Arsenal Duo Under Fire

The high-profile duo—likely Kai Havertz and another big-money buy totaling £54.5m—have disappointed. Havertz is questionable with injury, mirroring Odegaard's status. Their inconsistent output justifies dropping them. Instead, elevate Bukayo Saka (5 goals, fresh five-year deal) and Declan Rice (key midfielder).[2][4]

Three Players to Axe

1. Viktor Gyokeres: Low shot volume risks derby stalemate.[1]
2. Kai Havertz: Questionable fitness and poor form; questionable for selection.[4]
3. Martin Odegaard: Injury doubt and recent assist drought (4 total).[3][4]

Arsenal boast strengths: David Raya's 12 clean sheets, Rice's leadership. Tottenham's injury crisis—Romero, Richarlison (questionable, 7 goals), multiple midfielders out—offers opportunity. Arteta's changes could secure victory in Igor Tudor's Spurs debut, boosting the title race over Man City (53 points).[2][4]

Predictions favor Arsenal (-127), over 2.5 goals (-102). Fresh legs will exploit Spurs' woes.[4]

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