Arsenal Fans Identify Key Problem with Viktor Gyokeres After Man United Win
- Viktor Gyokeres failed to make an instant Premier League impact for Arsenal against Manchester United on Sunday
- The Swedish international was highly linked with a move to the Red Devils before he chose to join Arsenal in a £64m deal
- He failed to register a shot or create a chance before being replaced by Kai Havertz in the second half
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Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating Arsenal debut as he struggled to make an impact in Sunday’s clash against Manchester United.
The £63.5 million striker started at Old Trafford, where the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s early header from a Declan Rice corner.
Source: Getty Images
Facing his former coach Ruben Amorim, the Swedish forward failed to leave a mark, recording just 21 touches and nine passes in his 60 minutes on the pitch.
The 27-year-old forward neither registered a shot nor created a chance before being replaced by Kai Havertz.
While Arsenal’s midfield offered little service, Gyökeres also found it difficult to hold the ball up, which allowed United to build momentum and push forward.
His subdued display underlined the early challenges of adapting to life in North London.
What Arsenal fans said about Gyokeres' debut
Arsenal have gone without a traditional No.9 for some time, often relying on Kai Havertz or Mikel Merino in that role.
It’s clear there are still early adjustments to be made in adapting their system to a striker who netted 97 goals for Sporting, while also preserving their winning style of play.
Reacting to his debut, one fan on X wrote:
"Gyokeres' inability to be a +1 or an outlet or a hold up threat has led to us having zero control."
A second said:
"Need to either play Gyokeres through or have him drop deeper to help with build up etc. He hasn’t gotten hardly any service worth while."
A third commented:
"We need our team to create chances and get balls into the box or behind for Gyokeres to use his strengths."
A fourth opined:
"Gyokeres is not the issue, everyone playing behind him is moving like he’s not there."
A final user said:
"We bought Gyokeres and didn’t give him one ball in behind."
Source: Getty Images
Why Viktor Gyokeres snubbed Man United for Arsenal
Manchester United were keen to rival Arsenal for Viktor Gyökeres, but the striker was only ever destined for the Gunners.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, via Manchester Evening News, his agent Hasan Cetinkaya was left “hurt” by United boss Ruben Amorim’s decision regarding another of his clients.
Cetinkaya also represents former United defender Victor Lindelöf, who departed Old Trafford this summer after the club declined to extend his contract.
Lindelöf, who spent eight years at the club and wanted to fight for his place, was released as a free agent, a call that reportedly upset his long-time agent.
Man United fans criticise VAR
YEN.com.gh also reported that Manchester United fans were left furious after a second-half flashpoint when William Saliba appeared to bring down Matheus Cunha inside the box.
The Premier League’s headline clash of the opening weekend delivered intensity and controversy, with Arsenal edging a 1-0 win at Old Trafford despite an improved showing from the hosts.
Source: YEN.com.gh
