Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has urged patience with Viktor Gyokeres after the Swedish striker endured a tough Premier League debut against Manchester United. Arsenal’s marquee summer signing lasted just 60 minutes before being replaced by Kai Havertz in the 1-0 win, failing to register a single shot and often appearing isolated against the United defence.
Gyokeres was handed his first Premier League start at Old Trafford but struggled to make an impact. He was substituted on the hour mark as Arsenal battled to a narrow win, with Havertz replacing him before suffering his own injury setback. The Gunners next face Leeds at the Emirates, where Gyokeres could be given another chance due to limited forward options.
Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, Walcott said: “Old Trafford in the first game of the season is always going to be difficult and I always used to think it would take me three or four games just to get me up to match sharpness. Look at Gyokeres, he’s going to take a lot of time to get fit. I really do feel that.
“Gyokeres was [feeding] off scraps and I felt for him, I really did, and they did a job. You look at the old Arsenal teams when they were winning 1-0 away from home, no one remembers the way they played. I think it’s all about results, particularly early on, because these are the points that really matter when the teams aren’t up to scratch right now.
“You need to have game to get fitness and sharpness. There were signs with Gyokeres where he was running down the channels, really strong, isolating himself. And that’s with Saka and Martinelli not playing well as well and he was on his own, so imagine when those two actually start clicking.”
Arsenal invested heavily to bring Gyokeres in as their main striker, but early signs suggest patience will be required. The Swede is adapting to a new league, new teammates and the physical demands of English football. His success could be crucial to Arsenal’s hopes of challenging the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea for the Premier League title this season.
Arteta faces a key decision on how to utilise Gyokeres against Leeds or rotate due to his slow start. With Havertz sidelined and Gabriel Jesus still injured, Arsenal’s attacking options are limited. Gyokeres may get another opportunity to prove himself in front of the home crowd.
