Arsenal debate Gyokeres role in big matches

Arsenal 63m signing Viktor Gyokeres faces questions about his role in big matches as pundits weigh which forward Mikel Arteta will trust.

Pundits debate Gyokeres role in Arsenal title bid

Arsenal earned a narrow 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday, but Viktor Gyokeres failed to score on his Premier League debut and was withdrawn on the hour, with Kai Havertz leading the line for the final 30 minutes. The result kept Arsenal’s momentum against top rivals intact and underscored how the club is balancing new signings with immediate expectations. Sky Sports noted Arsenal’s strong record against fellow Big Six sides, highlighting an unbeaten run in 22 matches in those fixtures. Jamie Carragher indicated Gyokeres could be involved this season and might score, while also suggesting Arteta could turn to Havertz in the biggest games.

Arsenal’s transfer activity this summer signals a shift toward more options up front and through the middle. Alongside Gyokeres, the club added Martín Zubimendi and Noni Madueke while bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera. Pundits agreed Arteta may tweak the approach to help the title bid, with Neville arguing the team must change to become champions and Carragher stressing the need for flexibility in attacking balance. The discussion reflected a broader move away from a single target-man mindset toward a more fluid front line that can adapt to opponents.

The debate exposes a core tension for Arteta: deliver immediate impact from big-money signings while preserving a clear and cohesive tactical plan. Gyokeres offers a different profile from Havertz, and pairing the two could unlock new attacking avenues, but it demands precise coordination and selflessness from both players. The notion of rotating in and out for big matches could test player psychology and squad harmony if not managed with clarity. On one side, Havertz’s all-around game and experience in key games could prove essential; on the other, Gyokeres’s goal-getting hunger could become Arsenal’s catalytic edge if the manager finds the right balance.

The broader signal from Arsenal’s window is ambition mirrored by risk. The club built depth while also wagering on immediate results, a combination that elevates expectations. How Arteta integrates these new pieces while maintaining a recognizably cohesive style will determine whether the early-season debate around lineups translates into a durable title charge or becomes a recurring talking point. The next fixtures will test whether the chemistry can click or if more adjustments are required to align talent with a shared system.

Highlights

The season will reveal if this mix of stars was a smart bet or a strategic flirtation with risk.