Arsenal emerged victorious with a dramatic 94th-minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the performance of striker Viktor Gyokeres raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Out of the entire match at the Emirates Stadium, you could see Gyokeres was still getting over those early season struggles. His physical presence was nullified, as he had only 15 touches and just one shot on target. Mikel Arteta’s side are now five points clear at the top of the league table. With Gabriel Jesus returning to full fitness, the spotlight on Gyokeres starts to really heat up.
Gyokeres has had a rough go since coming over from Arsenal, having scored just 6 goals in 19 games. His impact on open play has been limited. This has led to some major debates over his capacity to hold a starting role in the lineup. Arteta’s decision to keep him in the lineup despite a disappointing outing against Club Brugge in the Champions League demonstrates the manager’s belief in the striker but raises concerns about how long that faith can last.
A Struggle for Impact
Right from the start of the game against Wolves, Gyokeres just wasn’t able to get into the game. In the first half, he touched the ball just five times, the fewest of any player on the field in that span. The face-saving result left the striker looking bemused, missing crucial link-up plays with his compatriots. As the game went on, he could find himself hardly able to approach the ball. Fans were understandably doubting his ability to ever be a top leading forward.
Arteta expressed frustration with the team’s performance, stating, “After that we had a period of two or three minutes in deep, totally passive, with horrible defensive habits nowhere near the level that is required against a team that hasn’t had a single shot. His remarks reflect a broader concern regarding not just Gyokeres but the entire team’s momentary lapses in focus and effort.
Gyokeres came to life in the second half, producing a very different performance. He absolutely suffocated Wolves center-back Emmanuel Agbadou at one point, pinning him to the sideline. Then, he took aim and fired a shot that just went over their heads. That short-lived revival didn’t do much to wash away doubters’ worries about his aggregate impact on the fixture.
The Pressure Mounts
Gyokeres might not be in Arsenal’s immediate plans, as with Gabriel Jesus returning from injury and upcoming games on the horizon, his presence in the squad would be needed. Kai Havertz is enjoying the race for the No 9 shirt and finding his feet. To retain his place in the XI Gyokeres will have to show some fairly dramatic improvement. As Mikel Arteta told naysayers of Gyokeres to “leave him alone,” it’s important to remember that every player needs time to adjust and adapt.
Arteta’s reassurances didn’t wash all the doubt away. Some doubters remain as to whether Gyokeres can hold off the challenge of other strikers for the future. It raises the question of what level of service is he getting from his teammates. Critics to this point highlight how frequently he ends up stranded in games. When Bukayo Saka put in an exquisite assist, it was the chance that got away. This is the moment that illustrates just how much work he still needs to do.
Rob Edwards, the manager of the victorious Wolves team, commended his team’s character amid their defeat. He said, “It was unfortunate luck, but they deserved it. That’s why they’re in the position that they’re in.” Edwards’ words reflect the cut-throat nature of that competition in the Premier League. They serve to remind teams—and their supporters, fans, and boards—to take their chances when they appear.
Looking Ahead
That win against Wolves gave Arsenal vital points, but showed where the team needs to be better. Arteta acknowledged this reality as he reflected on the performance post-match: “We are relieved because we managed to score a goal at the end and go on winning. We need to improve in that sense for sure.”
He further commented on the need for enhanced creativity and offensive pressure: “I think we improved in the second half. We generated more chances and scored a goal.” This improvement could signal a potential turning point for both Gyokeres and the team as they strive to build momentum moving forward.
As Arsenal goes on a title-winning run, Gyokeres’ place is still up in the air. His adaptability and opportunism will be key in deciding what role he has going forward when it comes to Mikel Arteta’s plans. It’s going to be a big few weeks for Gyokeres. He obviously wants to continue building his case in a crowded frontcourt while addressing worries about his overall shape and mark on the games.
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