Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal attackers are not looking for Viktor Gyokeres enough and told Mikel Arteta’s team to simplify their play.
Gyokeres has just 11 goals in 30 matches for the Gunners, but Ferdinand does not feel his teammates have helped him much.
Finish the sentence: I BLAME ____ for Viktor Gyokeres’ lack of goals at Arsenal! 😡
The Swede made a great run and finish against Kairait Almaty in the Champions League last week, following an impressive assist from Kai Havertz.
The former Manchester United defender has now urged the Gunners to play more direct into their new number nine to really unlock him.
Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal are not playing to Viktor Gyokeres’ strengths
Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal teammates have played a key part in his lack of goals in North London.
The ex-Premier League star has warned Martin Odegaard and co to start looking for the Swede’s runs more often.
He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: “He’s made this run numerous times this season. I remember him at Old Trafford as well, and other games where they get the ball in a transition, Gyokeres starts moving, and the ball doesn’t come.
“I’ve seen Odegaard and other players in that position, and I’m thinking, play to Gyokeres’ strengths, you might get a bit of a tune out of him.
Fill in the blank: Arsenal are a ___________________ team when Viktor Gyokeres starts…
Is the Swede making Mikel Arteta's team better or worse?
“Then Havertz comes on, gets the ball, the game opens up in a transition, there’s space to play the ball into where Gyokeres is running, he plays it, the ball is in the back of the net. The problem sometimes with Arsenal is that everything has to be too precise.”
Gyokeres admits it’s been tough learning at Arsenal, and it’s clear that he is still trying to get in tune with his teammates.
Viktor Gyokeres could lose his Arsenal spot to Kai Havertz
Against Chelsea, Gyokeres managed just ten touches and had just one shot at goal in the 69 minutes he was on the pitch.
Havertz came off the bench to replace him and found the back of the net, which should be a worry for the Swedish international.
The German international is slowly getting back to full fitness and should be ready to start in the big matches very soon.
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