Arsenal fans are doubling down on Viktor Gyokeres and are backing Mikel Arteta to start him against Aston Villa following his display against Brighton.
Gyokeres produced a really poor performance against Brighton as Arsenal came close to dropping two points against the Seagulls.
Mikel Arteta’s team had 24 shots against the Seagulls, creating an xG of 3.08, but they only managed one goal, with the other being a deflection.
Fill in the blank: Mikel Arteta should start ______________ up front vs Aston Villa…
Meanwhile, David Raya produced an extraordinary save to keep the score 2-1 and ensure that the North London club collected all three points.
Gyokeres was withdrawn after 71 minutes for Gabriel Jesus, but despite his struggles in front of goal, the Gunners supporters are backing him to lead the line against Villa.
Arsenal fans back Viktor Gyokeres to start vs Aston Villa
Arsenal fans are backing Viktor Gyokeres to start against Aston Villa because of his ability to press from the front and cause havoc.
Unai Emery’s team like to build from the back, and the Gunners’ fans think that the Swede’s bullish style will be a nightmare to play against.
It’s clear that in front of goal, the 27-year-old is having real problems, but his ability to use his physicality and work rate remains a useful asset.
The North London club’s supporters have now taken to X to share their thoughts on Arsenal’s summer signing and have called for him to start the next match.
One fan said: “Yes, Gyokeres isn’t scoring, he is still finding his feet, yes. However, his availability for the Villa game is crucial. His bullish ways of playing will be important for that game. You’ll see.”
True or false: Ollie Watkins playing for Arsenal would give the team a better chance of winning the Premier League than Viktor Gyokeres…
When asked whether Gyokeres should start versus Villa, another claimed: “Of course I would. He stretches the game, and it has to click one game, so why not Tuesday?”
A third fan claimed: “Start him. We need speed against a high press/mid block. He needs to be paired with another transitional threat.”
There were yet more calls for Gyokeres to start: “Start him, every time he is on the field, centre-backs never have time to rotate the ball.”
Finally, another said: “Villa play from the back; starting Viktor would be a problem for them. He should definitely start and even play the full game.”
Arteta now faces the dilemma of who to start up front against Villa, with Mikel Merino and Jesus his other options to lead the line.
Mikel Arteta must start Gabriel Martinelli against Aston Villa
Another player Arteta should be looking to start against Villa is Gabriel Martinelli, replacing Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners need unpredictability against Emery’s team and someone who is going to be able to get in behind Villa’s defence.
Matty Cash is suspended for the Arsenal match; therefore, whoever starts left wing is likely to be up against a makeshift option.
Martinelli caused Crystal Palace all sorts of issues in the Carabao Cup and should be able to do the same against Villa, given their issue at right-back.
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