Viktor Gyokeres hasn’t quite had the start that he would’ve wanted at Arsenal.
The Swede made his first-ever appearance for the Gunners against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong. He came on as a substitute for the last 15 minutes but couldn’t help his side avoid defeat.
On Wednesday, Gyokeres made his full Arsenal debut against Villarreal, and unfortunately for him, he ended up on the losing side again.
The Yellow Submarine beat the Gunners 3-2 and also went on to win the penalty shootout after the game.
Spanish press deliver verdict on Viktor Gyokeres after Arsenal lose to Villarreal
Viktor Gyokeres is still adapting to life at Arsenal.
The 27-year-old played in a completely different system at Sporting CP, and he will need some time before he can be fully familiar with Mikel Arteta’s system.
On Wednesday, Gyokeres started up front for Arsenal, and he looked really good off the ball. His pressing was relentless, his work rate was very good, and he also made some great runs.
However, the Swede’s teammates failed to create any meaningful chance for him in front of goal, which is why he had to leave the pitch without coming close to scoring.
While writing about the game, Marca said about Gyokeres: “In the second half, Arteta’s men tried to increase the pace of the match to test the Castellón side’s defensive strength.
“Luiz Junior denied Gyokeres on his debut afternoon with two fine saves. The Swede departed after a modest debut. It was merely a preface to a repeat of the first half.”
La Nacion added: “Villarreal boosted their morale and confidence by beating an Arsenal side that, on and off the pitch, had its eyes on Viktor Gyökeres, a star signing they hope will bring back the taste of titles and the Premier League.
“The Swedish striker played the first hour of the match, and Arsenal wanted to be dynamic and quick, looking for his instincts and incredible ability to convert every ball into a goal. However, the former Sporting Club de Portugal player sat out without scoring a goal.”
Estadio Deportivo felt that Nicolas Pepe had a bigger impact than Gyokeres. They wrote: “Nicolas Pepe strikes a blow at Gyökeres’ celebration. Arsenal were able to give an early indication, with Gyökeres in the starting lineup – one of the biggest names in the transfer market – already trailing 2-0 just over an hour into the match.
“Marcelino’s side wove an attacking move down the left flank, and after a cross into the box that bounced off several times, Nicolas Pepe proved much more adept inside the six-yard box against his former teammates to put the Yellows ahead.”
Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal teammates need to step up
There are still a few doubts over whether Gyokeres can deliver in the Premier League, and that will be the case until he starts firing.
However, for him to do that, he needs his teammates to help.
Arsenal can be a lot more direct than before with Gyokeres leading the line. He is a big threat when he is played in behind, and there are very few strikers better than him in transition.
Gyokeres will find it difficult if Arsenal continue their predictable routine of taking the ball to the wide areas and trying to create something from there.
The likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and even the midfielders need to play Gyokeres through a lot earlier than they have done with someone like Kai Havertz in the past.
Once that happens, we will see the best of the Sweden international at the Emirates.
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