Viktor Gyokeres: The unsung hero in Arsenal's style of play.
Despite not having a prolific goal tally, Viktor Gyokeres remains a crucial strategic asset for Mikel Arteta thanks to his movement and contribution to Arsenal's pressing system.
The story of Viktor Gyokeres' modest goalscoring performance is becoming a hot topic of discussion among Arsenal fans in the final days of 2025. However, if viewed fairly and comprehensively from a tactical perspective, concerns about the Swedish striker seem to be exaggerated compared to the actual value he brings to the pitch.
The challenge from the vast gap in skill level between the two leagues.
Before arriving at Emirates, Gyokeres carried considerable skepticism about his ability to adapt. At 27, his experience consisted only of two good years in the English Championship and two successful years in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Premier League history has proven that the gap in quality between the Portuguese league and the English Premier League is immense; the lesson from Darwin Nunez at Liverpool remains a stark warning about the harsh realities of the game.
Gyokeres's struggles in finding the net in the world's toughest league were predictable. However, his biggest asset in maintaining his position is his exemplary attitude. He's not the type of striker who just sits around in the box. Instead, Gyokeres constantly strives to adapt to the complex tactical system that Mikel Arteta is building.
Tactical impact: A tireless pressing machine.
On the pitch, the former Sporting CP star operates like a pressing machine. Gyokeres's runs into the spaces between the opposing full-backs and center-backs (channel runs) have a dual effect: they both push back the opposing defense and create open space for players like Saka or Martinelli to exploit.
Gyokeres' value becomes most apparent when he leaves the pitch. Without his presence, opposing defenders immediately have more time to control the ball, readily pushing forward dozens of meters and creating counter-pressure on Arsenal's half. This demonstrates his importance in maintaining the Gunners' defensive structure from deep.
The context of a shortage of strikers in the Premier League.
In the broader context of this Premier League season, the scarcity of top-class strikers is an alarming reality, with the exception of Erling Haaland. Looking at the top scorer rankings, the competitors all reveal clear shortcomings.
- Igor Thiago (Brentford):Despite scoring 11 goals, his contribution to the overall gameplay was almost zero.
- Hugo Ekitike:A promising young talent with 8 goals, but a risky gamble if placed in a key position at a huge price.
- Joao Pedro & Nick Woltermade:It does not offer a significant advantage in terms of effectiveness compared to Gyokeres.
Arsenal's decision to sign Gyokeres becomes even more logical when considering Alexander Isak – a target the Gunners once coveted but who constantly struggled with injuries. Avoiding a potentially costly medical signing like Isak can be seen as a managerial success for the London club.
Expectations for the second half of the season.
Even top stars like Ollie Watkins have gone through goal droughts before making a comeback. In modern football, contributing to the overall game is sometimes just as important as scoring goals directly. Patience is what Arsenal fans need to maintain to help Gyokeres keep his spirits up.
With the return of Gabriel Jesus and the imminent comeback of Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta will have more options for rotation. With the pressure to score goals eased, Viktor Gyokeres's feet are expected to be more free, helping him rediscover his killer instinct in the demanding second half of the season.