Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s high-profile summer signing from Sporting CP, has found himself under scrutiny following a nine-match goal-scoring drought for both club and country. The Swedish striker, acquired for £63.5 million after an impressive 54-goal season in Portugal, has struggled to replicate his prolific form in the Premier League. Despite early flashes of brilliance—scoring a brace in Arsenal’s 5-0 rout of Leeds United and a goal in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in August—Gyokeres has failed to find the net since mid-September, raising questions among fans and pundits alike.
A Dry Spell for Gyokeres
Gyokeres’ barren run spans seven matches for Arsenal and two for Sweden during the recent international break, where the Swedes suffered a 2-0 loss to Switzerland and a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo. This prolonged drought has fueled speculation about whether Arsenal’s squad harbors doubts over the 27-year-old’s ability to lead the line for the Premier League leaders. However, comments from teammate Mikel Merino and manager Mikel Arteta paint a different picture, suggesting confidence in Gyokeres despite his current struggles.
Merino’s Vote of Confidence
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Merino dismissed concerns about Gyokeres’ lack of goals. “I am sure goals will come,” the Spanish midfielder said. “I am sure he wants to score as much as anyone else. I am pretty sure he is providing the best performances on and off the ball for his teammates.” Merino emphasized the importance of team support, adding, “Everyone needs that love, everyone needs to feel comfortable to be surrounded by nice people. Viktor is just an example, but everyone is wishing him to keep doing what he’s doing. The most important thing is the team wins.”
Merino also urged fans not to focus solely on Gyokeres’ goal tally. “He has the tools, the physicality, the players around him,” he said. “But we cannot be focusing only on the numbers. If you see the games, you see how much he can give us.” This suggests that Gyokeres’ contributions—such as his work rate, movement, and link-up play—are still valued by his teammates, even if the goals have dried up.
Arteta’s Perspective
Manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has shifted focus to Arsenal’s upcoming challenges, particularly their Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid. While he hasn’t directly addressed Gyokeres’ form, Arteta’s comments about the team’s collective mentality indicate a broader focus on unity and performance. Discussing Atletico, Arteta highlighted their “willingness to win” and “high level of organization and discipline,” qualities he likely expects from his own squad, including Gyokeres, as they navigate this critical phase of the season.
Arsenal’s Strong Position
Despite Gyokeres’ struggles, Arsenal remain in a commanding position, sitting atop the Premier League with a three-point lead over Manchester City and a four-point cushion over defending champions Liverpool. The Gunners have also impressed in the Champions League, securing victories over Athletic Club and Olympiacos in their opening fixtures. This success underscores the team’s depth and resilience, suggesting that Gyokeres’ lack of goals has not yet derailed their ambitions.
The “Truth” About Doubts
While the narrative of teammates “doubting” Gyokeres may make for compelling headlines, the reality appears far more supportive. Merino’s comments reflect a squad that values Gyokeres’ overall contributions and remains patient with their marquee signing. The striker’s physicality, work ethic, and ability to create space for others are evidently appreciated, even if the goals are not flowing. Arteta’s focus on collective performance further suggests that the club is not panicking about Gyokeres’ form.
Looking Ahead
As Arsenal prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Gyokeres has an opportunity to silence critics and rediscover his scoring touch. The match against Diego Simeone’s disciplined side will test Arsenal’s attacking resolve, and a goal from Gyokeres could be the spark needed to reignite his season. For now, the “truth” is that Arsenal’s players and staff are backing their striker to come good, confident that his quality will shine through with time.