Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles at Arsenal continued against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Sweden international was signed from Sporting CP in the summer to solve the Gunners’ goalscoring woes, and he started fairly well.
Gyokeres scored three goals in his first four Premier League games, but since then, he has managed four more in all competitions.
That is not good enough, and one action involving Gabriel Martinelli against Brighton and Hove Albion exposed the striker’s weakness.
How concerned are you by Viktor Gyokeres’ performance vs Brighton
Gabriel Martinelli exposed Viktor Gyokeres’ weakness during Arsenal vs Brighton
Viktor Gyokeres played 71 minutes for Arsenal against Brighton.
Like he always does, the Swede worked incredibly hard all game, competed in the duels and tried to link up play with his teammates.
However, Gyokeres’ struggle was once again in front of goal.
The Arsenal number 14 missed a glorious chance in the opening minutes of the game, and he wasn’t much of a threat in the remainder of his time on the pitch either.
That’s because Gyokeres just refused to make near-post runs. He was almost always waiting for the ball at the far post, often behind the opposition defender.
When Martinelli came on in the second half, the Arsenal number 11 made a near-post run to meet Bukayo Saka’s cross and almost found the net.
Yes, Mikel Arteta fell to his knees after Martinelli missed, but his movement was excellent.
That proved that if an attacker makes aggressive runs towards the first post, he will get chances because Saka’s deliveries are usually excellent.
Near-post runs are clearly Gyokeres’ weakness, and Martinelli, who mostly plays out wide, exposed that in the game against Brighton on Saturday.
If you could give one advice to Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal right now, what would it be?
Viktor Gyokeres’ movement inside the box is embarrassing
One of the first traits a striker needs to possess at the top level is elite movement inside the box.
The ability to be at the right place at the right time is what makes a number nine prolific, but for whatever reason, Gyokeres has not been doing that.
That is pretty embarrassing for someone who cost over £60 million. Near-post runs are basic for a centre-forward, and the fact that he’s struggling in that department is not a good look at all.
However, the positive is that this can be improved. Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal coaching staff need to work on Gyokeres’ movement inside the box behind the scenes in the coming weeks.
If the Swede can perfect that side of the game, we are convinced that he will score goals for fun in this Arsenal side.
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