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Gyokeres debut ends without goal

Viktor Gyokeres did not score in his Arsenal Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

August 18, 2025 at 05:06 PM
blur Rio Ferdinand makes Viktor Gyokeres prediction and compares Arsenal star to Alexander Isak

Rio Ferdinand urges patience with Viktor Gyokeres after his first Arsenal outing against Manchester United

Ferdinand backs Gyokeres to hit the ground running after Arsenal debut

Viktor Gyokeres failed to score on his Arsenal Premier League debut as the Gunners beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. The £63.5 million signing had 60 minutes before being replaced by Kai Havertz, with Riccardo Calafiori’s goal proving decisive. Arsenal showed a bit of their planned high-press but Gyokeres did not register a shot, and the early pressure did not fully translate into chances. Coach Mikel Arteta said Gyokeres did many things well but needs to speed up in front of goal and in his decision making.

Key Takeaways

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Gyokeres needs time to adapt to the Premier League pace
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Arsenal rely on squad depth to ease new signings in
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Ferdinand’s praise rests on potential, not immediate impact
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Arteta is managing expectations while pursuing quick results
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Havertz provides tactical flexibility and options from the bench
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Pre-season disruption can slow a new signing’s start
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Isak and Gyokeres will be compared as transfer assets

"Give him five or six games minimum, just to get up to speed."

Ferdinand urges patience for Gyokeres’ adjustment period.

"He probably hasn’t trained with a team since he got to Arsenal because he demanded to leave – bit like Isak."

Ferdinand compares Gyokeres' pre-season disruption to Isak's situation.

"The depth now, Havertz coming on, Arsenal have a real opportunity now."

Ferdinand notes tactical depth improving Arsenal’s prospects.

"Coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it's a good start."

Arteta on the result and its importance.

Patience is the central theme around Gyokeres after a high-profile transfer that wrapped a big price tag. Ferdinand’s assessment centers on fitness and acclimation, warning against rushing a player who may have had limited pre-season continuity. The debate now shifts to whether Arsenal’s depth, with Havertz available off the bench, can help ease Gyokeres into the system while the club weighs the risks and rewards of banking on a top target as a season unfolds. The larger story is how clubs balance big spending with short-term returns and how media narratives can shape a rookie’s early months.

Highlights

  • Give him five or six games minimum to get up to speed.
  • He probably hasn’t trained with a team since he got to Arsenal because he demanded to leave
  • The depth now with Havertz on shows Arsenal have a real opportunity
  • Winning at Manchester United is a good start for Arsenal.

Budget and transfer risk around Gyokeres deal

The 63.5 million pound fee and high expectations for Viktor Gyokeres create financial and reputational risk for Arsenal, especially if early returns are limited; comparisons to Isak may fuel backlash from fans and investors.

The transfer saga will unfold in the weeks ahead.

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