Arsenal debut contrast

A look at how Viktor Gyokeres’s Arsenal debut stacks up against Hugo Ekitike’s early influence at Liverpool.

Gyokeres Struggles as Ekitike Delivers Early Impact at Liverpool

The opening weekend of the 2025/26 season sets up a clear contrast. Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool debut paid immediate dividends, with a goal against Bournemouth and an assist to Cody Gakpo, as the club started the year with a win under the lights at Anfield. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s marquee signing for a reported £63.5 million, did not make the same impact at Old Trafford, as he was withdrawn after an hour and left without a shot on target.

Analytically, the difference is not just in the scoreboard. Ekitike produced a sharper early contribution, completing 21 passes and firing four shots with two on target, while Gyokeres managed just nine passes, 22 touches, and no goal attempts. Manager Mikel Arteta defended Gyokeres’s performance by noting the difficulty of a big-pressure away game and the context of his late arrival from Sporting CP, while acknowledging the need for him to adjust quickly in the Emirates setup.

The debuts underscore a broader challenge for Arsenal: integrating high-cost signings into a demanding system without stalling progress. Ekitike’s immediate impact illustrates what a fresh forward can add when the team’s pressing and tempo align with his strengths. Gyokeres’s rough introduction highlights the risk of pressure from big-money moves, especially when pre-season conditioning is limited. The coming fixtures — Leeds at home followed by a trip to Newcastle — will test not just individual form but the club’s patience and strategic patience from management. Data and scouting will be central to judging whether the investment pays off this season or becomes a longer-term task of adaptation and development.

Highlights

As the season unfolds, the real measure will be how quickly Arsenal can translate potential into consistent results.