Viktor Gyokeres again finds himself under pressure at Arsenal after six games without a goal in all competitions.
A quiet debut at Old Trafford attracted negative attention but was swiftly forgotten as the Swede scored three goals in his next three Premier League appearances, but the Arsenal No.14 now finds himself under scrutiny from outsiders again.
Despite scoring just three goals in ten games, the Daily Mail believe Arsenal are specifically pleased with Viktor Gyokeres after noticing how the Sweden international has helped Bukayo Saka.
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Viktor Gyokeres is giving Bukayo Saka more space to shine
The Daily Mail state that Arsenal insiders have noticed how the £64m arrival from Sporting CP is generating more space for the England international, as he occupies defenders with his strength and runs into the channel.
Previously, it was felt inside the Emirates Stadium that Saka was being doubled up on by opponents in the absence of a striker who runs in behind – Kai Havertz tends to drop deeper into a false nine role – but the arrival of Gyokeres has changed that.
The Arsenal No.7 has managed to score three goals in seven appearances despite missing three games with a hamstring problem, so the numbers reinforce the school of thought that playing alongside the man born in Stockholm is helping him.
Arsenal did not intend to use Viktor Gyokeres immediately
The Daily Mail also shared Arsenal’s initial plan for Gyokeres – who has impressed Jermaine Jenas with his movement.
It is revealed that Mikel Arteta intended to begin the 2025/26 campaign with Havertz in the starting XI.
However, a serious knee injury – which the German has since undergone an operation on – changed everything.
Arsenal identified Gyokeres as a player who would need time to adapt to the Premier League and settle in a new environment, but that plan quickly went out the window as Arteta found himself needing to rely on his £64m signing straight away.
Therefore – considering the circumstances – Gyokeres has performed well, having been forced to adapt sharply and embark on a different start to life in N5 than he expected.