Arsenal latest news includes a 2-0 Boxing Day demolition of Everton, but the headlines weren’t all cheers. New signing Viktor Gyökeres coolly converted a penalty for his third Premier League goal. Yet Match of the Day host Gary Lineker delivered a verdict. It was a bad news for the Swedish striker and Arsenal fans left fuming.
In a post-match analysis, Lineker declared Viktor Gyökeres “not in the same league” as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. A barb that undermines the 27-year-old’s rapid adaptation to Mikel Arteta‘s title-chasing machine. Arsenal sits two points clear on top of the table on December 23, 2025. However, this slight feels like salt in the wound.
Lineker’s Post-Match Sting
Lineker, never shy on Match of the Day, prefaced his take with diplomacy: “I don’t want to be rude. But he’s not in the same league as Haaland.” He acknowledged Gyökeres’ work rate and hold-up play but questioned his clinical edge, citing Haaland’s 22-goal haul this season. Coming off Sporting CP’s 43-goal campaign, Gyökeres arrived for £80m expecting plaudits, not caveats—especially after silencing doubters with his Everton strike.
Gyökeres’ Gunners Glow-Up
Since his summer switch, Gyökeres has slotted seamlessly into Arsenal’s attack. He has linked with Saka and Odegaard to forge 12 goal involvements in 18 outings. Arteta hails his “hunger,” and even Alan Shearer countered Lineker, praising the penalty poise: “He’s settling in nicely.” Lineker himself, in October, predicted a “scoring streak” with Arsenal’s service—words now ringing hollow.
🚨🇸🇪 Arteta on Gyökeres: “I can see there’s a collaboration between Viktor and midfielders. He was in a lot of really good positions and the ball didn't get into the area quick enough”.
“But his work and intentions were there and we need to keep insisting”. pic.twitter.com/UzMnfprlgj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 14, 2025
The Haaland Shadow and Swedish Pride
Comparing Gyökeres to Haaland? It’s apples to Norwegian cyborgs. The Swede’s all-round game—dribbles, assists, pressing—adds layers Haaland lacks, fueling Arsenal’s defensive solidity (just 11 goals conceded). Gyökeres, who’d likely scoff at the downgrade, embodies Arteta’s blueprint: relentless, not robotic. Fans erupted on socials: “Lineker’s blind—Viktor’s carrying us!”
🚨Viktor Gyökeres may not be as fast as Haaland, or as good at dribbling as Gabriel Jesus, but he is the one who possesses the most effective "power and speed" technique at Arsenal.
🔸️Coach Mikel Arteta also shared after the game against Wolves is that Viktor Gyökeres “What I… pic.twitter.com/Zki9mHMa0c
— 🥤𝐌𝐞𝐱 (@_Afcmex) December 15, 2025
Punditry vs. Reality
Lineker’s criticism, while provocative, overlooks Gyökeres’ trajectory from Coventry cast-off to Primeira Liga king. As Arsenal eye City’s slip-ups, this fuels the fire. Gyökeres will scripting his own legend.
As featured on GoonerNews.com