Arsenal’s blockbuster summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, has yet to ignite against the Premier League’s elite, and manager Mikel Arteta is facing mounting criticism for his tactical approach following a lackluster performance against Manchester City. The £64million Swedish striker, acquired from Sporting CP to bolster Arsenal’s title aspirations, has been labeled “redundant” in big matches due to the team’s “slow and sterile possession-based approach,” according to former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino.
Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates with high expectations after a prolific spell in Portugal, where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess. The 26-year-old has already made an impact in the Premier League, netting three goals in his first five appearances, including a brace in a commanding debut against Leeds United. However, his inability to break through against the so-called ‘Big Six’—most notably in clashes against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City—has raised concerns about his role in Arsenal’s title charge.
In a scathing column for The Times, Cascarino warned that Arteta’s conservative tactics in high-stakes matches are stifling Gyokeres’ potential. “Arteta will need to adjust his approach in big games to get the best out of his £63million striker and give Arsenal the best possible chance of winning the title this season,” Cascarino wrote. “Gyokeres was signed to be the missing piece for Arsenal, to push them from contenders to champions, but he can’t do that if his team do not create anything for him.”
Arsenal’s summer transfer window saw significant investment beyond Gyokeres, with the arrivals of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi aimed at providing creativity and dynamism to support their new frontman. Yet, Cascarino insists that the responsibility lies with Arteta and the squad to deliver the service Gyokeres needs to thrive. “Gyokeres is doing what he can to lead the line, making runs in behind and battling with defenders, but it is on Arteta if the centre forward’s team-mates don’t find him,” he added.
The situation is further complicated by the looming shadow of Kai Havertz, who has emerged as Arsenal’s preferred attacking option in recent seasons. Havertz’s versatility and ability to link play have made him a cornerstone of Arteta’s system, despite his lack of clinical finishing. Cascarino suggested that Havertz could reclaim his spot in the starting lineup once fully fit, potentially relegating Gyokeres to the bench—a scenario that would have seemed unthinkable when the Swede signed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Arteta picked Kai Havertz over Gyokeres once the Germany player is back to full fitness,” Cascarino noted. “Havertz suits Arsenal’s approach to big matches much more with his ability to hold up the ball and drop in to link play.”
This potential decision has sparked fears among Arsenal fans that their marquee signing could be sidelined, undermining the club’s ambition to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League crown. Gyokeres’ struggles against top opposition have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, whose performances against direct rivals often define his impact at Manchester City. Unlike Haaland, however, Gyokeres has yet to make his mark in these crucial encounters, intensifying scrutiny on Arteta’s tactics.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres came after they opted against signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who instead joined rivals Manchester United. Sesko has also struggled to find the net, leaving both clubs grappling with the integration of their new forwards. For Arsenal, the pressure is now on Arteta to adapt his strategy and unlock Gyokeres’ potential, ensuring that the North London faithful see their expensive acquisition as a catalyst for success rather than a peripheral figure in the biggest moments.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Arteta to prove he can evolve his approach and deliver the attacking spark needed to propel Arsenal to glory. Failure to do so could see tensions in North London erupt further, with Gyokeres’ role—and Arteta’s decisions—under the microscope.