Viktor Gyokeres has been the subject of some criticism since his move to Arsenal, with the Swedish striker not quite hitting the ground running in the Premier League
13:10, 10 Sep 2025
Paul Scholes.
Paul Scholes enjoyed the cheeky dig at Viktor Gyokeres' expense(Image: X/The Overlap)
Paul Scholes was in stitches when a football supporter declared that Viktor Gyokeres looks as though "he's playing with jeans on."
The Swedish striker has two goals in his opening three games for Arsenal, although they all came in one match after he drew blanks at Anfield and Old Trafford. Gyokeres netted twice against promoted side Leeds United, yet failed to score on his Gunners debut versus Manchester United - and couldn't breach Liverpool's defence in a 1-0 defeat at Anfield.
Questions over his ability to deliver against elite opposition, a recurring issue during his stint in Portugal with Sporting, have prompted scrutiny from opposition supporters and analysts.
During The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes and Jamie Carragher were debating potential Golden Boot contenders when Tottenham supporter Ben Bowman triggered immediate hilarity as he said: "[Gyokeres] looks like he's playing with jeans on."
As laughter erupted, Scholes paused for the noise to subside before he pushed the joke further, adding: "Did you hear what somebody said... I don't know who it was, 'He looks like he's playing with jeans on.'".
The banter continued, frustrating the Arsenal fans in attendance, with this anger spilling over onto social media platforms. One fan angrily wrote: "This is football discourse by ex players/pundits within mainstream media. Pathetic, but I'm not surprised."
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Other supporters joined the discussion, with many defending Gyokeres in the comments. One said: "If there was ever a price for playing for Arsenal this is it. Don't think I've ever seen a platform this big openly mock a player. This seems spiteful."
Another said: "Every player is loved until they play for Arsenal." While a third added: "Honestly this guys don't have shame, why is this even allowed, they always talk stupidly when it comes to Arsenal."
Despite the criticism coming Gyokeres' way, his past achievements in front of goal should be enough to quell fans' worries. The Swede scored 68 goals in just 66 Primeira Liga matches for his former club, and he also excels on the international stage.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Viktor Gyokeres is yet to return to his top goalscoring form with Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres has 15 goals and seven assists for Sweden, including one strike in a 2-2 draw with Slovenia this international break. His new supporters will likely trust his track record rather than the views of rival fans and former footballers.
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Whilst he hasn't quite made the explosive start he might have wished for with the Gunners, fans will be backing the 27-year-old to find the net regularly during the 2025/26 season and beyond in north London. There's hope he can help bring an end to Mikel Arteta's wait for silverware.
He and Arsenal will return to Premier League action with a home clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, facing former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou in his first game in charge following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo. After that comes a Champions League clash away at Athletic Club on Tuesday, followed by a tense battle against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at the Emirates the following Sunday.
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