Richard Keys has suggested that Arsenal’s work in the summer transfer window isn’t as good as it seems.
Andrea Berta welcomed eight players to Arsenal over the summer, closing the club’s business on deadline day with the loan signing of Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal spent £257m in the summer window, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s squad depth to give the Gunners a greater chance of contending for silverware.
Aside from depth, the most important capture was to sign a new striker, which Berta did in July by welcoming Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Richard Keys thinks signing Viktor Gyokeres was a waste of time
With two goals in three Premier League games, Gyokeres has impressed at Arsenal so far, but there’s certainly work to be done.
The work comes more from those around him than the striker himself, as the Arsenal squad needs to learn how to play to the 27-year-old’s strengths.
It’s been some time since Arsenal have had a target man to link with, and it shows, as Gyokeres has been isolated in moments of each of the first three games of the season.
Gyokeres looked upset against Liverpool as his attempts to run in behind went unnoticed, something that was raised in Richard Keys’ Blog.
The presenter went as far as to say it’s a ‘waste of time’ signing the Sweden international if the squad can’t learn how to play with him.
“I’ve also previously made the point that it’s a waste of time having Gyokeres in your team if you don’t play to his strengths,” Keys wrote.
“He’s been heavily criticised for not doing a lot, but what was he to do? He didn’t see the ball. He wasn’t supplied with one cross, nor one ball over the top into space. He won’t thrive in a set-up like Sunday’s.”
Interestingly, Frank Leboeuf had a similarly conclusive take on Gyokeres after the Swede’s Premier League debut, with it being clear as day that Arsenal’s build-up play isn’t tailored to the forward’s needs.
Pundits are jumping the gun with Gyokeres
What’s frustrating about modern-day football is that, having only been at the club for five weeks, it’s unsurprising that Arsenal aren’t completely familiar with Gyokeres’ style, but instant results are expected.
It’s a stark change for the Gunners’ front line, having never operated with an out-and-out number nine.
That being said, there is a question to be asked over Arsenal’s decision-making, as countless times against Liverpool, Gyokeres’ runs were being ignored.
Against Leeds United the week before, the situation was the same, until Riccardo Calafiori decided to break the mould and play a ball over the top, a half-chance that the forward scored.
The evidence is there for Arsenal to put in the work to best support their teammate, who has it all in his locker; it just needs to be unlocked.
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