Arsenal were left with a bold decision to make this season, picking between Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line.
Sporting director Andrea Berta was tasked with making the final choice, knowing that the Gunners needed a new striker over the summer.
While Arsenal held interest in Sesko for a long time, it appeared a difficult deal to do, as RB Leipzig held out for a big deal.
Instead, Arsenal went on to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, as the Swedish international made the long-awaited switch to the Premier League.
It was a deal that sent ripples through the market, as it opened up the chance for Sesko to join Manchester United instead.
Naturally, there would be some comparison between how Gyokeres does and how Sesko performs, even so early into the season.
While Arsenal aren’t in the Carabao Cup yet, rivals Man United were as they faced League Two Grimsby, handing a full debut to their striker in the process, one which ended up as a nightmare.
Arsenal fans criticise Benjamin Sesko’s penalty decision for Man United against Grimsby
Thus far, many had only seen small glimpses of Sesko, as he received minutes from the bench in the opening two Premier League games for Manchester United.
However, the striker was handed a full debut away at League Two side Grimsby Town, one that quickly turned into a nightmare.
The home side raced into a 2-0 lead, which could’ve been extended on several occasions, before Man United drew level late on, taking it to penalties.
It had been a quiet game for Sesko, but it was compounded into a nightmare when Grimsby won during the penalty shootout.
Many Arsenal fans noticed, however, that the striker managed to take the last outfield penalty before stepping up for his own, bringing about plenty of questions over his mentality.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Sesko taking the 10th penalty against Grimsby is the biggest red flag I’ve ever seen in a forward.”
Another added: “That’s pathetic from Sesko. You’re the number 9 for Manchester United and you take the 10th penalty out of 11th in a shootout?”
Other fans made comparisons to Viktor Gyokeres and his hunger to take a penalty in the previous match, claiming: “Viktor Gyokeres was hounding Declan Rice down to give him the penalty vs Leeds. Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko let every single Manchester United player except Onana take a penalty before him… AGAINST GRIMSBY.”
“No way Sesko waiting to take 10th penalty. What an absolute loser,” another supporter said.
“Sesko took United’s 10th penalty, imagine your new 70 million pound striker hiding like that,” one supporter said.
Another added: “Sesko really let everyone, but the goalkeeper take a penalty before him. The 10th pen taker. That is absolutely insane.”
Even though he went on to bury his penalty, there were definitely questions left about his confidence for such an occasion.
It’s only a small sample size so far, and perhaps Sesko can improve and grow into his place at Manchester United.
However, it certainly suggests Arsenal made the right choice to go for Gyokeres this summer.
Viktor Gyokeres is ready to challenge at the top with Arsenal now
One of the questions that surrounded the choice between Gyokeres and Sesko was always the difference between current ability and potential.
While it seemed as though one was near their peak, the other had the ability to reach the very top of the game, but it may take time.
For Arsenal, the choice of Gyokeres seems to be a clever one for the current scenario, as he is able to shrug off the pressure and respond with goals.
After criticism of Gyokeres’ debut against Man United, he responded with a brace and a little dig at those who had already called him out.
For the pressures of a Premier League title fight, it’s exactly what Arsenal need to win things at the very top.
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