Viktor Gyokeres sent warning as Arsenal striker fails again vs Liverpool

Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool at the Emirates reignited scrutiny over Viktor Gyokeres, whose struggles in front of goal are increasingly seen as a potential obstacle to the club’s title ambitions. Signed for a substantial fee after a prolific spell at Sporting, the Swedish striker again failed to deliver, barely influencing the game before being substituted in the second half. His lack of involvement, reflected in extremely low touch and shot numbers, underlined how far he is from the dominant forward Arsenal believed they were buying.

Against Liverpool, Gyokeres was starved of impact rather than service. Arsenal generated pressure, territory and a stream of crosses, yet their No.9 rarely found threatening positions or attacked the ball aggressively enough. Pundits highlighted his static movement, limited link-up play and inability to impose himself on Liverpool’s defense, arguing that a top-level title contender needs a more assertive focal point in games of this magnitude. His ongoing wait for an open-play league goal has now stretched into double figures, intensifying the sense of a confidence crisis.

The article frames this display as a clear warning for both Gyokeres and Mikel Arteta. For the player, it is a reminder that past exploits in Portugal carry little weight if he cannot adapt to the intensity, tempo and tactical demands of the Premier League. For Arsenal, it raises uncomfortable questions about squad planning: whether they can realistically rely on Gyokeres as their main striker in a tight title race, or must increasingly turn to alternatives like Gabriel Jesus or reshuffle their attacking structure.

While Arsenal remain well-placed in the table, the stalemate with Liverpool is portrayed as a missed opportunity that sharpened focus on a growing problem. Unless Gyokeres responds with a rapid upturn in form, his performances risk turning from early-season concern into a defining flaw in Arsenal’s pursuit of major honors.