Glenn Murray’s harsh comments about his former Brighton teammate Viktor Gyokeres should motivate the Arsenal striker to make a mark at the Amex.
Don’t let Gyokeres’ poor performance against Chelsea distract you from the impressive form the Arsenal man has produced in 2026.
The Swede has contributed to 10 goals since the turn of the year, and will be looking to add to his tally when he returns to his former home, the Amex.
Gyokeres spent three and a half years on Brighton’s books, but only made eight first-team appearances, one of which he shared with Glenn Murray.
After Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal, Murray questioned the striker’s quality, giving the £64m signing an incentive to prove his former teammate wrong when he visits their old home.
Some mixed memories at the Amex: Predict the score against Arsenal and Brighton on matchday 29!
Viktor Gyokeres must respond to Glenn Murray’s criticism with a goal against Brighton
Murray admitted that he never expected Gyokeres to be a top-level striker when he was at Brighton with him, making the comment after the Sweden international’s move to Arsenal was announced.
“I don’t think Gyokeres is the one – it’s such a big step, I was with him at Brighton, and I never had him down to be a £64m striker,” Murray said, later adding:
“When Viktor came in, it was more a case where you thought he was all right. I am not sure he suits Arsenal’s style, either.”
As Gyokeres continues to grow at Arsenal, he’s starting to prove doubters wrong, showing that he can indeed be the goal-scorer the Gunners need.
Despite his upturn in form, there’s no doubt that hearing his former teammates’ comments would’ve hurt Gyokeres, and now he can respond in the best way possible.
Agree or disagree: Comparing Viktor Gyokeres to Didier Drogba is a good thing, he deserves more credit for what he’s done for Arsenal
Arsenal face Brighton on matchday 29 of the Premier League season, taking a trip to the Amex, where the 27-year-old will be desperate to score.
What better way to respond to a comment doubting Gyokeres’ ability and whether he suits Arsenal than to score against the club Murray is aligned with?
That’s not the striker’s only motivation, as he will also be eager to make amends after his passenger-like performance against the Seagulls when they visited the Emirates.
A goal would count for Gyokeres’ 16th of the season for Arsenal, not a bad record for a player who was not regarded as ‘the one’.
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