After three consecutive near-misses in the Premier League title race, Arsenal entered the 2025/26 season with a growing sense that their margin for error had evaporated.
Mikel Arteta’s side had evolved into one of the most tactically disciplined, structurally compact, and possession-dominant teams in European football, yet the final leap — converting dominance into silverware — continued to prove elusive.
After three consecutive near-misses in the Premier League title race, Arsenal entered the 2025/26 season with a growing sense that their margin for error had evaporated.
Mikel Arteta’s side had evolved into one of the most tactically disciplined, structurally compact, and possession-dominant teams in European football, yet the final leap — converting dominance into silverware — continued to prove elusive.
The problem became even more pronounced as injuries ravaged Arsenal’s forward line and became so acute that, at the height of a title race, Arteta was forced to deploy Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker — an emergency fix involving a player recruited primarily to operate in central or defensive midfield.
What This Article Explores Next
With interest growing in searches for “Arsenal starting 11 with Gyökeres,” supporters are eager to understand how his presence shapes Arsenal’s attacking structure and influences players such as Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard.
This article goes on to examine Gyökeres’ role within Arteta’s system, evaluating his performances on a match-by-match basis to assess whether Arsenal’s long-standing striker issue has truly been solved — or simply reframed.
⚽ Typical Arsenal Starting 11 with Viktor Gyökeres (2025–26)
Arsenal Starting XI (When Fully Fit):
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Declan Rice – Martín Zubimendi
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Eberechi Eze – Leandro Trossard
ST: Viktor Gyökeres
This configuration represents Mikel Arteta’s go-to Arsenal starting 11 for the 2025–26 season, offering maximum balance between positional control, athleticism, and vertical threat.
At the tip of the attack, Viktor Gyökeres is tasked with leading the line as the focal point in an otherwise fluid frontline.
Gyökeres provides hold-up play, aerial presence, and aggressive off-ball movement, allowing Arsenal to stretch opponents vertically and pin back defensive lines.
Out of possession, his work rate stands out. The Swedish striker presses relentlessly from the front, actively forcing turnovers and disrupting build-up phases — a trait one online fan summed up succinctly: “I like how Gyökeres runs around the pitch pressing defenders like a maniac.”
As a pure finisher, Gyökeres has the tools Arsenal have long craved. However, his integration into Arteta’s possession-heavy system has not been seamless.
Arsenal fans say he has received limited consistent supply, and unlike Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus, he does not naturally drop deep to collect the ball or knit together extended passing sequences in advanced zones.
More concerning is the broader output. Despite his physical profile and pressing intensity, Gyökeres’ goal involvement — both goals and assists — has declined in the Premier League, raising legitimate questions about how well the current Arsenal lineup with Gyökeres maximizes his strengths.
Premier League 2025–26 Tactical Breakdown: Which Games Has Viktor Gyökeres Played for Arsenal — and How Has He Performed So Far?
Manchester United vs Arsenal (Premier League) – 17 August 2025
Venue: Old Trafford
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Declan Rice – Martín Zubimendi – Martin Ødegaard
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyökeres started away at Old Trafford but endured a quiet and largely disconnected 59-minute outing in Arsenal’s Premier League opener.
The Swedish striker registered just 19 touches, a remarkably low figure for a central forward in Arteta’s possession-based system, and failed to attempt a single shot, recording zero shots on target.
To underline the contrast, Kai Havertz — introduced from the bench and playing 31 minutes fewer — managed only three fewer touches (16), highlighting how marginal Gyökeres’ involvement was during his time on the pitch.
The comparison grew starker in ball-carrying and creativity. Havertz completed one successful take-on, while Gyökeres recorded none.
In chance creation, the disparity was even clearer: Havertz produced three shot-creating actions, whereas Gyökeres failed to register a single one across the entire match.
From a distribution standpoint, the numbers were equally concerning. Gyökeres posted a 45.5% pass-completion rate, the lowest among all Arsenal players who featured for more than 50 minutes. Overall, it ranked as the third-lowest in the squad, better only than Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurriën Timber, both of whom played 20 minutes or fewer.
That said, his performance was not without physical impact. Gyökeres joint-led Arsenal for fouls drawn (2), matching Kai Havertz (2) and Gabriel Magalhães (2) — evidence that, even on a quiet day, he posed a constant physical nuisance to Manchester United’s defensive unit.
Interestingly, Gyökeres also showed flashes of positional flexibility. Only Bukayo Saka (5) attempted more crosses for Arsenal than Gyökeres (2), while Martinelli registered none, suggesting the Swedish striker occasionally drifted wide to offer unexpected width and dynamism.
Arsenal vs Leeds United (Premier League) – 23 August 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Martin Ødegaard – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Noni Madueke
Arsenal entered this fixture with a dominant historical edge, unbeaten at home against Leeds United in their last 14 meetings, and it was in this context that Viktor Gyökeres finally announced himself in an Arsenal shirt.
Gyökeres scored a good penalty against Leeds, putting it far from the Leeds goalkeeper.
The Swedish striker delivered his breakthrough performance, scoring his first Arsenal goal in the 48th minute before calmly converting a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+5) to seal the result. Gyökeres completed the full 90 minutes, leading the line throughout and offering Arsenal a direct penalty-box presence they have often lacked.
Beyond the goals, the underlying numbers painted a familiar but nuanced picture. Gyökeres recorded one shot-creating action, 21 touches, and a 44.4% pass-completion rate, reinforcing the contrast between his finishing impact and his limited involvement in Arsenal’s possession chains.
Physically, however, he was imposing. Alongside Gabriel Magalhães, Gyökeres won three aerial duels, succeeding in three of the four aerial contests he attempted — a clear indicator of his value as a dominant target man against a deep defensive block.
Defensively and in transition, his work rate again stood out. Gyökeres made three ball recoveries, with only Bukayo Saka (4), Martín Zubimendi (5), Gabriel Magalhães (4), and William Saliba (4) registering more. He also joint-led the match for fouls drawn (2) alongside Max Dowman, underlining his ability to engage defenders and force mistakes.
In 1v1 situations, Gyökeres attempted four take-ons, completing one successfully, while his defensive contribution was further highlighted by two clearances, a tally bettered only by William Saliba (4).
Liverpool vs Arsenal (Premier League) – 31 August 2025
Venue: Anfield
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Mikel Merino – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Noni Madueke – Viktor Gyökeres – Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyökeres made his third consecutive Premier League start for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side fell to defeat at Anfield, one of the most demanding environments in English football. It was a fixture that posed a severe test for any central striker, particularly against the elite defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Tactically, Arteta entrusted Mikel Merino with the responsibility of supplying Gyökeres from midfield, hoping the Spaniard’s passing and late runs could unlock Liverpool’s defensive block.
Mikel Arteta’s team selection against Liverpool came under scrutiny from Arsenal fans.
However, the plan struggled to materialise. Gyökeres failed to register a single shot or shot on target, spending much of the contest isolated between Liverpool’s centre-backs.
His involvement was minimal. The Swedish striker logged just 15 touches, a figure bettered only by Gabriel Martinelli among Arsenal players who featured for more than 60 minutes, underlining how rarely Arsenal were able to connect with their central forward in advanced zones.
You could see Gyökeres attacked the space behind Liverpool’s defensive pairing, stretching the back line, opening passing lanes, and providing Arsenal with a constant outlet in transition.
In individual duels, Gyökeres again found it difficult to impose himself technically. He completed zero successful take-ons, while his defensive contribution was also limited, recording only one ball recovery — the lowest tally among all players who played over 60 minutes.
Yet even in a frustrating evening, Gyökeres still offered a glimpse of his defining traits. He drew three fouls, the highest of any Arsenal player, illustrating his constant nuisance value — repeatedly running in behind, engaging defenders, and attempting to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up. It was a reminder that, even when starved of service, Gyökeres remains a physical and psychological problem for opposition defences.
Here, Gyökeres holds up play effectively, waiting for support from Bukayo Saka as Arsenal work their way into Liverpool’s 18-yard box.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League) – 13 September 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – Cristhian Mosquera – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Martin Ødegaard – Martín Zubimendi – Mikel Merino
ATT: Noni Madueke – Viktor Gyökeres – Eberechi Eze
Viktor Gyökeres featured for 67 minutes against Nottingham Forest and once again delivered end-product, scoring one goal in a performance that highlighted the ongoing contrast between his finishing impact and overall involvement in Arsenal’s build-up play.
From a shooting perspective, the Swedish striker was Arsenal’s most active attacker. Gyökeres attempted four shots, the highest tally in the team, with one effort on target, underlining his natural instinct to attack the penalty area when opportunities arise.
In possession, however, his influence remained limited. Gyökeres completed just seven passes, while Leandro Trossard, despite playing only 21 minutes, completed five passes.
Against Nottingham Forest, Gyökeres showed sharp positional awareness — anticipating Eze’s delivery from wide, timing his run into the box, and finishing with a simple tap-in. This is exactly the movement Arsenal fans want from their No. 9.
Similarly, Gyökeres recorded 24 touches, compared to Declan Rice’s 12 touches in 23 minutes, reinforcing the perception that he is still less involved in Arsenal’s passing sequences than many supporters expect from a starting number nine.
That said, his off-ball and defensive contributions were quietly effective. Gyökeres registered one tackle attempted and won, alongside one block, one ball recovery, and one clearance, reflecting a willingness to contribute during defensive phases.
Most notably, he once again asserted himself aerially. Gyökeres won two aerial duels, a joint-high figure, and lost none, with no Arsenal player surpassing his aerial success. Even on a night where his overall involvement fluctuated, the Swedish striker demonstrated clear aerial dominance — a valuable weapon Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons.
Athletic Club vs Arsenal (Champions League) – 16 September 2025
Venue: San Mamés Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – Cristhian Mosquera – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Declan Rice – Martín Zubimendi – Mikel Merino
ATT: Noni Madueke – Viktor Gyökeres – Eberechi Eze
Viktor Gyökeres made his Champions League debut for Arsenal against Athletic Club, featuring for 67 minutes in a tightly contested away fixture. The Swedish striker attempted four shots, with one on target, but was unable to find the net despite limited touches (16) — a reflection of the compact defensive structure deployed by Bilbao.
In possession, Gyökeres showed encouraging efficiency, completing passes at an 87.5% accuracy, one of the highest pass-completion rates of his Arsenal career up to that point.
Against Athletic Club, Gyökeres showcased his ball-carrying ability, driving into dangerous areas and committing defenders, as shown here.
However, he contributed no successful take-ons and made no dribbles, highlighting a more stationary role in build-up play compared to teammates like Madueke, who carried the ball seven times into the penalty area, while Gyökeres managed only two carries.
Defensively, his contribution was minimal but strategically significant. Gyökeres made one clearance and, as usual, used his physicality to draw fouls, registering four fouls drawn, the most among Arsenal players — a testament to his constant threat to defenders and ability to disrupt opposition rhythm.
While not a high-volume attacking display, this outing underlined Gyökeres’ ability to make his presence felt in key moments, particularly through fouls drawn, aerial threat, and positional awareness in the penalty area.
Here, Gyökeres anticipates Mikel Merino’s pass, times his run well, receives the ball, and holds up play while waiting for Bukayo Saka to arrive in support.
Arsenal vs Manchester City (Premier League) – 21 September 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Mikel Merino – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Noni Madueke – Viktor Gyökeres – Leandro Trossard
Viktor Gyökeres played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City but endured a statistically quiet outing. The Swedish striker failed to register a goal, assist, attempted shot, or shot on target, while registering only 20 touches — a reflection of City’s compact defensive block and Arsenal’s inability to consistently feed their number nine in dangerous areas.
In terms of dribbling, Gyökeres had one attempted take-on, but did not complete it, while completing just six passes, the lowest among Arsenal players who featured for more than 30 minutes. This highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating him fully into Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach against top-tier opponents.
Defensively, Gyökeres showed his characteristic work-rate, recovering the ball three times, matching Bukayo Saka, though trailing Declan Rice (6), Riccaldo Calafiori (6), and William Saliba (8) in recoveries. In aerial duels, he won two and lost two, demonstrating a mix of competitiveness and physical presence, even when his attacking output was limited.
While the numbers were underwhelming, Gyökeres continued to display key traits of a modern target man: pressing opponents, contesting aerial battles, and attempting to provide Arsenal with a focal point despite City’s stifling defensive setup.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal (Premier League) – 28 September 2025
Venue: St. James’ Park
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – Cristhian Mosquera – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Declan Rice – Martín Zubimendi
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Eberechi Eze – Leandro Trossard
ST: Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres played the full 90 minutes at St. James’ Park, registering a high-volume attacking performance but failing to find the net or provide an assist. The Swedish striker attempted six shots, with one on target, from 30 touches, highlighting a more active presence in Arsenal’s final third compared to some previous matches.
Gyökeres demonstrated direct attacking intent with three attempted take-ons, completing one successfully, alongside one clearance and one tackle won in the attacking third — showing his willingness to contribute both offensively and defensively.
His positional flexibility and width were evident through five crosses, a tally only surpassed by Declan Rice (10), demonstrating Gyökeres’ occasional drift into wide areas to support Arsenal’s attack. Defensively, he contributed four ball recoveries, just behind Saka (5), Eze (5), and Rice (5), highlighting his involvement in transition phases.
In the air, Gyökeres was heavily involved, contesting nine aerial duels, though he won only one, indicating some challenges in converting his physical advantage against Newcastle’s defenders. Despite the low success rate, his presence kept the opposition defence honest, offering a focal point for Arsenal’s attacking patterns.
Arsenal vs Olympiacos (Champions League) – 1 October 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Martin Ødegaard – Martín Zubimendi – Mikel Merino
ATT: Leandro Trossard – Viktor Gyökeres – Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyökeres completed the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Olympiacos, attempting three shots with one on target and registering 28 touches. While he had some presence in the attacking third, his overall involvement remained moderate compared to Arsenal’s creative midfielders.
In dribbling, Gyökeres attempted one take-on, which was unsuccessful. Defensively, he contributed three clearances and four ball recoveries, ranking just behind Martín Zubimendi (6) and Martin Ødegaard (8) for recoveries — showing his willingness to press and support transitions.
Aerially, however, the Swedish striker struggled. He lost two aerial duels and failed to win any, underlining a rare weakness in a facet of his game where he is usually more competitive.
While Gyökeres’ attacking end-product was limited in this fixture, his link-up work and defensive contributions helped Arsenal maintain structure and pressure in the middle third, reflecting his ongoing adaptation to European competition.
Arsenal vs West Ham (Premier League) – 4 October 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Martin Ødegaard – Declan Rice – Eberechi Eze
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Leandro Trossard
Viktor Gyökeres played the full 90 minutes against West Ham, contributing with attacking intent but limited end-product, failing to score or provide an assist. He attempted two shots, with 21 on target — a likely data misrecord; tactically, his shooting involvement remained modest compared to the rest of Arsenal’s forward line.
Gyökeres showcased dribbling initiative, attempting two take-ons and completing one successfully, while generating four shot-creating actions, second only to Bukayo Saka (5), highlighting his contribution in linking play and creating chances for teammates.
Passing continued to be an area of concern. For players who featured more than 12 minutes, Gyökeres posted the lowest pass accuracy (45.5%), better only than Gabriel Martinelli (25.0%), who played limited minutes — underlining ongoing challenges in connecting with Arsenal’s possession-based system.
Aerially, Gyökeres dominated. He won three aerial duels, the highest for Arsenal, and lost just one, showcasing his physical presence and effectiveness as a target man, even on games where his overall technical contribution was limited.
Despite a quiet statistical output in terms of goals and assists, Gyökeres continued to offer positional threat, aerial dominance, and forward pressure, reinforcing his role as a consistent focal point in Arteta’s Arsenal starting 11 with Gyökeres.
Fulham vs Arsenal (Premier League) – 18 October 2025
Venue: Craven Cottage
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Eberechi Eze – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Leandro Trossard
Viktor Gyökeres featured for 89 minutes against Fulham, registering three shots, with two on target, from 18 touches, reflecting his active but selective involvement in Arsenal’s attacking sequences.
Gyökeres demonstrated direct attacking contribution with one attempted take-on, completed successfully, alongside one block, with only Bukayo Saka (2) surpassing him in defensive interventions. He also drew two fouls, highlighting his ongoing ability to disrupt defenders and win advantageous positions, second only to Saka (5).
Aerially, Gyökeres had a mixed outing, winning one duel and losing two, though only Gabriel Magalhães lost more (3), emphasizing the physical challenges of competing in England’s top-flight forward duels.
While not a prolific scoring display, Gyökeres continued to provide positional threat, defensive contribution, and pressing presence, reinforcing his value as a modern target man in Arteta’s Arsenal starting 11 with Gyökeres.
Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid (Champions League) – 21 October 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Eberechi Eze – Gabriel Martinelli
ST: Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres played 82 minutes against Atlético Madrid in a pivotal Champions League clash, producing one of his most clinical performances of the season. The Swedish striker scored two goals from three shots on target, combining 21 touches with a direct attacking threat that troubled the highly organized Spanish defense.
Gyökeres also attempted one take-on, completed successfully, demonstrating his ability to create space and destabilize defenders in tight areas. However, his passing accuracy lagged, recording 72.7%, the lowest among Arsenal players in the match, reflecting a focus on direct attacking contributions rather than build-up play.
Defensively, Gyökeres struggled in duels, failing to win any and losing three aerial challenges, but he continued to influence the game through his physical presence and off-the-ball movement. Importantly, he drew four fouls, the highest in the Arsenal team, consistently forcing Atlético defenders into mistakes and disrupting their rhythm.
Overall, this outing highlighted Gyökeres’ killer instincts in the box, his ability to draw fouls and pressure defenses, and his capacity to be a decisive Arsenal striker in high-stakes European matches.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) – 26 October 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Eberechi Eze – Leandro Trossard
ST: Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres completed the full 90 minutes against Crystal Palace but delivered a subdued performance, failing to score or register an assist. His attacking output was minimal, with just one attempted shot and zero shots on target, reflecting a night where he struggled to impose himself in Arsenal’s attacking phases.
Visibly, the Swedish striker appeared short of sharpness, moving at a reduced tempo and showing signs of fatigue as the match progressed. His dribbling numbers mirrored that assessment: three attempted take-ons, none completed, as Palace defenders consistently stood him up in one-v-one situations.
Gyökeres recorded 25 touches, a modest return for a central striker in a system designed to dominate territory and possession. In aerial contests, he won two duels and lost four, with Martín Zubimendi (3), Cristhian Mosquera (3), and Gabriel Magalhães (4) all winning more aerial battles — an unusual outcome for a player whose physicality is typically one of his key strengths.
Overall, it was a reminder that workload, intensity, and fixture congestion can blunt even the most powerful forwards. Against Crystal Palace, Gyökeres lacked the explosiveness and edge required to tilt the game in Arsenal’s favour.
Burnley vs Arsenal (Premier League) – 1 November 2025
Venue: Turf Moor
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurriën Timber – William Saliba – Gabriel Magalhães – Riccardo Calafiori
MID: Eberechi Eze – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Leandro Trossard
Viktor Gyökeres featured for 45 minutes at Turf Moor and delivered maximum efficiency before his afternoon was cut short by injury. The Swedish striker scored one goal from his only shot on target, once again underlining his penalty-box instincts and ability to convert limited service into tangible output.
Physically, Gyökeres competed well before being forced off. He won one aerial duel, made two ball recoveries, and committed two fouls, a tally no Arsenal player exceeded — evidence of his aggressive pressing and front-foot defending even in a shortened appearance.
However, the positives were overshadowed by concern as Gyökeres picked up an injury, halting his momentum at a time when Arsenal were entering a demanding stretch of the season.
Games Viktor Gyökeres Did Not Start (Injury & Fitness Management)
Following the injury sustained against Burnley, Gyökeres missed the next three matches from the starting XI, with Mikel Arteta carefully managing his minutes amid fitness concerns:
- Chelsea vs Arsenal (Stamford Bridge): featured for 19 minutes
- Arsenal vs Brentford (Emirates Stadium): featured for 8 minutes
- Arsenal vs Aston Villa: featured for 45 minutes
These cameo appearances reflected Arsenal’s cautious approach, prioritising long-term fitness over immediate returns, while further disrupting Gyökeres’ rhythm and consistency during a crucial phase of the campaign.
Club Brugge vs Arsenal (Champions League) – 10 December 2025
Venue: Jan Breydel Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White – Jannik Nørgaard – Piero Hincapié – Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Mikel Merino – Martín Zubimendi – Martin Ødegaard
ATT: Noni Madueke – Viktor Gyökeres – Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyökeres featured for 61 minutes away at Club Brugge but endured a low-involvement evening in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign. The Swedish striker attempted three shots, with one on target, yet was largely isolated from Arsenal’s build-up play.
Gyökeres recorded just 10 touches, the second-lowest tally among Arsenal players in the match — only Marli Salmon, who featured for eight minutes, had fewer. The figure starkly illustrated how rarely Arsenal were able to connect with their central striker in advanced areas.
In one-v-one situations, Gyökeres made zero take-on attempts and completed none, operating primarily as a stationary reference point between Club Brugge’s centre-backs rather than an active ball carrier.
Aerially, he competed with mixed success, winning two aerial duels and losing one, while committing one foul as he attempted to impose himself physically on the Belgian side’s defensive unit.
Overall, the performance reinforced a recurring theme in Gyökeres’ Arsenal tenure: sporadic goal threat combined with limited involvement, particularly in away European fixtures where space and service are restricted.
Arsenal vs Wolves (Premier League) – 13 December 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Formation: 4-3-3
Arsenal Starting XI:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White – William Saliba – Piero Hincapié – Jurriën Timber
MID: Eberechi Eze – Martín Zubimendi – Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka – Viktor Gyökeres – Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyökeres played 80 minutes against Wolves but delivered another low-impact attacking display, failing to score or register an assist. His offensive contribution was minimal, managing just one attempted shot and zero shots on target in a match where Arsenal controlled large phases of possession.
The Swedish striker recorded only 14 touches, again highlighting his limited involvement in Arsenal’s attacking combinations. For a central forward in Arteta’s system, such a low touch count underlines the ongoing challenge of integrating Gyökeres into Arsenal’s positional play, particularly against compact defensive setups.
Aerially, Gyökeres was outperformed by several teammates. He won one aerial duel and lost one, while Bukayo Saka (3), Martín Zubimendi (3), Mikel Merino (3), and Piero Hincapié (6) all won more aerial battles — notably, Merino achieved his tally despite playing just 34 minutes.
Overall, the Wolves fixture reinforced a recurring theme: while Gyökeres offers physical presence and pressing effort, his influence on Arsenal’s attacking rhythm remains inconsistent, especially in matches where Arsenal are expected to dominate territory and chances.
Arsenal’s Striker Recruitment: Why Viktor Gyökeres Was Plan B After Šeško
Arsenal’s striker search did not begin with Viktor Gyökeres. The club’s primary target was Benjamin Šeško — a younger, physically dominant forward with elite athleticism and long-term upside. However, talks with RB Leipzig collapsed amid financial disagreements, forcing Arsenal to pivot toward a more immediate solution.
That solution was Viktor Gyökeres.
Fresh off a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon, Gyökeres appeared, on paper, to tick every box: 27 years old, physically imposing, tactically disciplined, and entering his prime. For a club chasing marginal gains at the top of the Premier League, he looked like a ready-made answer.
Yet with hindsight, Arsenal’s first-choice option may have been the smarter investment.
Šeško eventually joined Manchester United for a marginally higher fee, but his age profile and developmental ceiling offer significantly greater long-term value. Gyökeres, by contrast, arrived with a very different expectation — instant Premier League impact in what is effectively his second attempt at English football.
So far, Arsenal’s collective structure has often looked sharper than their new No.9’s output. And when midfielders like Mikel Merino are regularly finding the net, it naturally raises the question:
why isn’t Arsenal’s £64 million striker doing the same?
Gyökeres’ Determination to Return to the Premier League
Gyökeres’ move to Arsenal was fuelled as much by personal motivation as tactical planning. The Swedish striker was eager to prove himself in England after his earlier stint at Coventry City failed to establish him at the elite level.
Arsenal offered redemption and relevance — a second chance to succeed in the Premier League while competing for major honours. Reports at the time detailed Gyökeres’ strong desire to force the move, with tensions emerging between his camp and Sporting Lisbon over valuation and timing.
Eventually, Arsenal completed the deal for a fee in the region of £64 million, a figure that made one thing clear:
this was not a developmental signing.
Gyökeres was brought in to deliver immediately, not to grow into the role.
Early Promise, Then Growing Questions
Gyökeres’ introduction to life at Arsenal followed an encouraging trajectory. He impressed during pre-season, adapted quickly to Arteta’s positional system, and found the net in the opening weeks of the campaign. Those early flashes justified the club’s decision to move decisively in the market.
But as the season progressed — and the sample size increased — the narrative began to shift.
After roughly 15 Premier League appearances, it became fair to ask whether Gyökeres had genuinely elevated Arsenal’s attack, or simply blended into a well-oiled machine that was already functioning without a traditional focal point.
Measuring Impact Beyond Goals
Viewed through a wider analytical lens, Gyökeres’ Arsenal career has sparked debate rather than consensus.
Yes, his physical presence, pressing intensity, and willingness to battle defenders are evident. What remains unclear is whether he represents a clear upgrade on Arsenal’s existing options.
Kai Havertz continues to offer greater fluidity, link-up play, and tactical intelligence, often enhancing Arsenal’s attacking rhythm even when goal numbers fluctuate. Gabriel Jesus, when fit, still brings unpredictability, pressing sharpness, and spatial manipulation that aligns seamlessly with Arteta’s demands.
Perhaps the most telling comparison is Mikel Merino — signed for approximately £32.67 million and never intended to operate as a striker. Yet Merino’s movement, timing, and integration within Arsenal’s attacking structure have, at times, looked more natural than Gyökeres’ role.
Given the scale of the transfer fee and the expectations attached, these comparisons are unavoidable.
The Weight of Expectation in a Finished Project
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s rebuild has been deliberate and methodical. The defensive platform is elite, midfield control has matured, and the wide areas are among the strongest in Europe.
In that context, Viktor Gyökeres was perceived as the final piece — the striker meant to complete a title-challenging puzzle.
But that narrative carries pressure.
At 27, approaching 28, Gyökeres is not a long-term project. This is his performance window, the phase of his career where output should peak. Comparisons to elite Premier League forwards — Harry Kane, Aubameyang, Luis Suárez, Sergio Agüero — may be ambitious, but they are inevitable when a striker arrives tasked with pushing a contender over the line.
So far, the evidence suggests the fit has been functional rather than transformative.
And for a club that believed it had found the missing piece, that distinction matters.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Since the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal have struggled to replace a natural focal point at the top of the pitch.
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz brought intelligence, tactical discipline, and excellent link-up play, but his tendency to drift into deeper zones often saw him function more as a connector than a penalty-box striker. In truth, the German has carried a heavy share of Arsenal’s attacking burden and has long required support.
A relentless pressing machine, Havertz is constantly engaged during defensive phases and counter-pressing moments, expending enormous physical output.
Some Arsenal supporters believe his recent lay-off is partly a consequence of the sheer volume and intensity of minutes he has logged as Arsenal’s primary number nine and false nine since arriving from Chelsea in 2023. Notably, his absence has drawn little criticism; if anything, sections of the fanbase are eager to see him return refreshed.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus arrived from Manchester City with intensity, technical quality, and proven Premier League pedigree, but persistent fitness issues have cast doubt over his long-term reliability. Even so, a noticeable segment of the Arsenal fanbase would still prefer a fully fit Gabriel Jesus to what they have seen from Viktor Gyökeres so far — a debate that continues to divide opinion.
By the summer of 2025, the message from supporters was unmistakable: Arsenal needed a striker whose primary responsibility was simple and brutal — finish chances. The demand was no longer for profiles, roles, or tactical compromise, but for goals.
Leave a Reply