Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres faces increasing scrutiny as he struggles to find his footing in the Premier League. With Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus nearing a return from injury, Gyokeres needs to excel to secure his place in the starting lineup.
Gyokeres’ Premier League Struggles
Since joining Arsenal from Sporting for £55 million, Viktor Gyokeres has had a challenging start, scoring in only 3 of his 14 league appearances. His latest match against Wolverhampton saw him fail to register any goals, contributing to concerns regarding his performance.
Comparisons with Erling Haaland
While Manchester City’s Erling Haaland boasts 17 goals this season, Gyokeres’ track record raises alarms. His performance metrics have declined significantly since his transfer. Gyokeres’ duel success rate dropped from 50% in Portugal to just 37% in England, reflecting struggles to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Concerns on the Pitch
In his recent outing against Wolves, Gyokeres had only 15 touches and attempted just one shot, emphasizing his lack of involvement. His average of 0.76 one-touch shots per 90 minutes is concerning when compared to Haaland’s 1.85. Moreover, Gyokeres is ranked 45th among forwards, illustrating his need for improvement in shot creation.
- Gyokeres: 0.76 one-touch shots/90 minutes
- Haaland: 1.85 one-touch shots/90 minutes
- Gyokeres’ duel success rate: 37%
- Previous season in Portugal: 50%
Service and Movement Issues
Questions remain regarding Gyokeres’ service. Despite Arsenal leading the league in through balls, Gyokeres struggles to create space. He averages only 3.14 meters of space available for receiving passes, the least among Premier League players. This indicates difficulties in mobility and creating separation from defenders.
Implications of Gabriel Jesus’ Return
As Gabriel Jesus prepares for his return, the competition for the striker position intensifies. Supporters expect a more effective striker who can contribute both in goal-scoring and playmaking. Mikel Arteta has noted the team’s need for chemistry and has emphasized that Gyokeres must improve his overall contribution.
What Lies Ahead for Gyokeres?
There is a growing concern that Gyokeres may miss out on establishing himself as a first-choice striker during a critical time. His ability to adapt and start scoring will determine his future at Arsenal. As pressure mounts, the time for Gyokeres to step up is now.
In conclusion, as the football season progresses, Gyokeres has an opportunity to turn his performance around amid increasing competition. Securing a regular spot in Arsenal’s attack will demand significant improvement in his scoring and overall game play.
