After making his debut for Arsenal in a 3-2 preseason friendly loss to Villarreal, Viktor Gyokeres drew mixed reactions from supporters who questioned whether Mikel Arteta’s method worked for him.
In the Gunners’ final game of their preseason tour in Asia last week, a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur handed the Swedish striker his non-competitive debut. Opposition defenders took note of him and attempted to man-mark him out of the game once he was included in Arteta’s starting lineup this time.
Gyokeres played for 63 minutes before being substituted for Martin Odegaard, although he did not score. The visitors were the more clinical team, despite the former Sporting CP frontman’s attempts to influence the match.
After making his full Arsenal debut, Gyokeres’ profile is being scrutinised.
Some supporters believe he won’t give his best to the Gunners.
After protracted discussions, Gyokeres joined Arteta’s team in a £64 million deal, leaving Sporting to join Arsenal. He finished the previous season as Europe’s top scorer, and many believe he is the final component the Gunners need as they have been hankering after a strong number nine for a long time.
The 27-year-old only had one attempt that put Villarreal custodian Luiz Junior’s hands to the test in the second half, and he was rarely afforded the opportunity to show off his goal-scoring prowess. Although he attempted to get involved, the majority of the attacking action by the North Londoners came from out wide.
Thanks to goals from Karl Etta Eyong, Arnaut Danjuma, and former Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe, Villarreal emerged victors. Martin Odegaard also scored from the penalty spot, and Christian Norgaard responded.
Those who witnessed Gyokeres’ appearance appeared to wonder if his style aligns with Arteta’s style of play.
One person wrote:
“Normally I hate ‘no service’ excuse for strikers cause it’s up to them to manufacture chances through movement and persistence but our players and manager just have no idea how to play with a Gyokeres profile.”
Some were pleased with what they witnessed because they believed the Swede instilled fear in the adversary. He completed two dribbling attempts and won three of four ground duels.
Another admirer said:
Gyokeres appears to be quite a handful. Every time he approaches the ball, they are fouling him.
The two-time Liga Portugal Golden Boot winner frequently uses his natural mobility to dominate up top.
This was brought to light by a fan:
“Players who are making runs but hardly getting them should just pass to Gyokeres.” He skips past players with ease and shows off his skill with the ball at his feet when he is in the box. The team must have faith in him.
‘Cold-blooded killer’ is what one supporter said about him:
“Gyokeres is being manmarked everywhere he walks by three Villarreal players. They are aware that he is a heartless murderer.
Villarreal vs. Viktor Gyokeres
Played minutes:
63′
Objectives:
0
Helps:
0
Targeted shots:
One
Successful Dribble Attempts:
Two (2)
Feelings:
14
Precise passes:
4/7 (57%)
Won ground duels:
Four (3)
Winning aerial duels:
One (0)
When Arteta’s team visits Old Trafford to play Manchester United on August 17, Arsenal formally kicks off the new season, and Gyokeres will be aiming to score. With the Red Devils advancing on a deal for former Gunners target Benjamin Sesko, it might be a battle of the big-money forwards.
All data is accurate as of June 8, 2025, and is provided by SofaScore.
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