Arsenal fans think Viktor Gyokeres’ time in North London could be coming to an abrupt halt following Mikel Arteta’s praise for Kai Havertz.
Mikel Arteta flexed his squad options at Arsenal in their 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth, especially now at striker.
Has Kai Havertz just ended Viktor Gyokeres’ run as Arsenal’s first-choice striker?
Gabriel Jesus started the match at Fratton Park and was eventually replaced by the returning Kai Havertz, who really impressed against Portsmouth.
Viktor Gyokeres didn’t even make it off the bench on the South Coast, and that will be a real concern for the Swede moving forward.
After the match, Arteta highlighted how impressed he was by Havertz’s cameo, and supporters think he was also aiming a subtle dig at Gyokeres.
Arsenal fans think Mikel Arteta has sent Viktor Gyokeres a warning
Arteta was full of praise for Havertz’s movement during his 20-minute cameo against Portsmouth, an area in which Gyokeres has struggled.
Recently, Gyokeres’ movement has been questioned quite heavily; therefore, Arsenal supporters are certain that this was Arteta sending a message to the Swede.
Arteta told the media: “Last few minutes, I was just watching him move and his awareness, the way he needs to move, when he needs to move, in relation to what he moves.
“It’s just great to watch. We miss him big time. He’s back with us, and now we need to maintain his fitness because he’s a very important player for us.”
Fill in the blank: Viktor Gyokeres is now worth £___m following his start to life at Arsenal…
Arsenal paid £63m in the summer…
After hearing what their manager had to say about Havertz, Arsenal’s supporters took to social media to express their concerns over Gyokeres’ future in the team.
One fan said: “Arteta waxing lyrical after a 10-minute cameo, Gyokeres, enjoy the bench.”
“Yeah, that’s the end of Gyokeres, isn’t it? Arteta gets to play his puppet, the little teacher’s pet,” added another.
A third supporter claimed: “Gyokeres is finished. Arteta knows what he’s doing when he says this.”
There were further question marks raised over Gyokeres: “It seems clear that Gyokeres will spend some time on the bench when Havertz has the stamina to play 70 minutes.”
Finally, another added: “Look how many times he mentions movement; it could be over for Viktor.”
Havertz’s cameo against Portsmouth is a warning to Gyokeres that his place in the Arsenal team is now in even further doubt.
Mikel Merino is ‘buzzing’ Kai Havertz is back for Arsenal
Arteta is not the only person delighted Havertz is back with Mikel Merino admitting the team are ‘buzzing’ that he is back.
When asked about Havertz’s return, Merino told Hayters TV: “We’re all buzzing for him to come back after a big, big injury.
“To have him around is so good for everyone, for the atmosphere in the training ground, for the support that he gives us as well in the training ground, having him around every training session.
“Now having him on the pitch is one more asset, one more tool for the coach. Yes, really happy for him.”
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