Gyokeres debut fuels tactical debate at Arsenal

Arsenal's new striker Viktor Gyokeres faces sharp scrutiny after a quiet debut, raising questions about fit and tactics.

Gyokeres under fire as Arsenal debut sparks tactical debate

Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres started against Manchester United but did not have a shot on target in 60 minutes, drawing early criticism from sections of the media. Some pundits question whether the signing fits Mikel Arteta’s plan, noting Arsenal prefer quicker crosses and a more direct tempo, which may not align with Gyokeres’s style.

Frank Leboeuf told ESPN that the move could be useless if the rest of the team does not adapt to his play, and he drew a pointed comparison to Rasmus Hojlund’s debut impact. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the signing after the match, saying the issue was more about team rhythm and the final ball than Gyokeres alone, and that work remains to exploit his strengths in the final third.

The clash between a new striker and a team’s tempo highlights a risk in modern transfer strategy: talent without tactical alignment can stall. Gyokeres’s strengths—movement and finishing in the box—could become valuable if Arteta adjusts the system to suit him, or if Gyokeres modifies his game to fit a high-tempo, cross-heavy approach. The debate surrounding his fit is amplified by public and media scrutiny, which can shape the early perception of a transfer more than a badge of patience.

This incident also illustrates how much a single signing can depend on the surrounding cast. If the plan is to play faster with more direct balls, Gyokeres may excel; if the plan values a slower buildup and crossing variety, the deal risks being viewed as a mismatch. Arsenal won the match, but the lingering question is whether they will adapt quickly enough to maximize the striker’s potential and avoid becoming a tactical misfit.

Highlights

Time will tell if Arsenal can tune the plan around Gyokeres or if this signing becomes a longer term test of their tactical flexibility.