Mikel Arteta has several big calls to make ahead of Arsenal’s season opener at Old Trafford.
It is a problem that Arteta will relish in that he has virtually a fully-fit squad heading into the clash with Ruben Amorim’s side.
Arsenal believe injuries cost them the Premier League title last season but with no such problems so far this campaign, Arteta now has key choices to make for his starting XI.
The main dilemma will be over who starts up top, Viktor Gyokeres is the new signing, however, Kai Havertz has proven himself already. Gary Lineker thinks he has spotted one problem that the Gunners’ new centre forward will face.
Gary Lineker thinks Viktor Gyokeres will find it ‘hard’ against low blocks at Arsenal
Arsenal simply dropped points in too many games last season to be serious challengers for the title – their total of 14 draws was only surpassed by Everton with 15.
Paul Merson has backed Gyokeres to be an important part of helping the Gunners end their trophy drought this campaign, but Lineker is concerned over his ability against deep defences.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Rest is Football’ podcast, the pundit thinks the 27-year-old will find it hard to run in behind most teams this season.
Lineker stated: “He’s a runner, and it’s hard to do that with Arsenal because they tend to play against teams for the low block because of the way they play a bit like Manchester City.
“So I think, I don’t know, this is me, I’m not a fantasy football player until now. But I would guess I’d gamble on Watkins ahead of Gyokeres at the moment because of the unknown.”
Robbie Fowler is also concerned for Gyokeres this season, coming from the Portuguese league and fearing he will not be up to speed with English football.
However, Gyokeres has been proving people wrong his whole career and the player is determined to silence any doubters once again by firing the Gunners to a major trophy.
How Viktor Gyokeres compared with Ollie Watkins last season
Tony Adams thinks Arsenal should have signed Ollie Watkins instead of the Swedish international, however, the Gunners have had numerous opportunities to bring the England striker to North London.
It is clear that Arteta and Andrea Berta preferred Gyokeres and despite what both Lineker and Adams have said in comparison between the two, Arsenal have made the right choice.
| Key statistics last season (per 90 mins) | Gyokeres | Watkins |
| Shots on target | 52% | 43.9% |
| Progressive carries | 4.26 | 1.9 |
| Goal-creating actions | 1 | 0.42 |
| Aerial duels won | 50.7% | 42.3% |
Watkins does have Premier League experience, however, Gyokeres is no stranger to English football from his time with Coventry City.
If the Gunners create the same volume of chances that they managed during the last campaign, the Swede will be there to reap the rewards.
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