Arsenal Fans Have Spot Major Viktor Gyokeres Problem After Striker Struggled Against Man United

Arsenal Fans Have Spot Major Viktor Gyokeres Problem After Striker Struggled Against Man United

  • Arsenal fans have voiced their concerns after Viktor Gyokeres’ difficult Premier League debut at Old Trafford
  • The Gunners splashed £63.5m to sign the Swedish striker this summer from Sporting Lisbon
  • Gyokeres failed to register a single shot on target or create a chance in 60 minutes against Manchester United

Viktor Gyokeres’ long-awaited Arsenal debut did not go as planned, as the Swedish striker endured a frustrating afternoon against Manchester United on Sunday.

The £63.5 million summer signing from Sporting Lisbon was given a starting role at Old Trafford, but failed to impress fans on his Premier League debut.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Manchester United, Premier League
Viktor Gyokeres failed to shoot a single shot on target on his Premier League debut against Manchester United. Photo by Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images

Despite Arsenal securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s early header from a Declan Rice corner, Gyokeres struggled to make an impact, Sky Sports reports.

The 26-year-old forward had just 21 touches and completed nine passes in his 60 minutes on the pitch. Most notably, he failed to record a single shot on goal or create a chance for his teammates.

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Facing his former boss, Ruben Amorim, Gyokeres found it difficult to influence proceedings before being substituted for Kai Havertz in the second half.

The striker’s inability to hold the ball up gave Man United opportunities to regain possession easily, leaving Arsenal fans concerned about how he fits into Mikel Arteta’s team.

Arsenal fans raise concerns over Gyokeres

The reaction from Arsenal supporters after the match highlighted growing concern about how the Gunners will adapt their system to accommodate Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Manchester United, Premier League
Viktor Gyokeres was substituted in the 60th minute after struggling against Manchester United. Photo by David Price
Source: Getty Images

Arteta has largely relied on versatile forwards like Havertz or even Mikel Merino to occupy the central attacking role in recent campaigns, meaning Gyokeres represents a shift in style.

While the lack of service from midfield limited his chances, many fans pointed out that the striker struggled with his hold-up play and movement against United’s defenders, Sports Bible reports.

“Gyokeres' inability to be a +1 or an outlet or a hold-up threat has led to us having zero control,” One fan on X summed it up.

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Arsenal supporters also noted that the Swedish international looked isolated at times, with limited link-up play from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks.

The lack of understanding between Gyokeres and his new teammates was clear, though fans acknowledged that time and training could help the striker settle into the team’s system.

What lies ahead for Gyokeres?

Despite his underwhelming debut, many are optimistic that Gyokeres will come good for Arsenal.

His prolific record of 97 goals for Sporting Lisbon suggests that he has the quality to thrive in the Premier League once he adapts to Arteta’s tactics.

The Gunners will next face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, August 23.

That match could present Gyokeres with a better opportunity to showcase his strengths in front of home fans and build chemistry with his teammates.

Arsenal star makes EPL prediction

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has made a bold prediction about the club’s future after their opening-day victory against Manchester United in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The Dutchman believes the Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, are primed to finally break their two-decade-long wait for the Premier League title.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng