Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to axe Viktor Gyokeres from the starting XI against Aston Villa by Sky Sports pundit Charlie Austin.
Gyokeres made the move to the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window, but he's struggled to live up to expectations since joining the north London club. The Swedish striker scored a phenomenal number of goals during his time with Sporting CP, but translating his output to the English game has been difficult for Gyokeres so far.
Gyokeres has scored just three non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season, despite having a non-penalty expected goals of 4.5. The former Coventry City forward was meant to be the striker to help Arsenal get over the line for a Premier League title, but he's going to have to improve if they want to achieve that.
Arteta Urged to Axe Gyokeres for Arsenal
Victor Gyokeres celebrating after scoring against Everton for Arsenal in the Premier League
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Southampton and QPR striker Austin has suggested that Mikel Merino should come into the starting XI for Arsenal against Aston Villa, seeing Gyokeres drop to the bench. Austin claims that Gyokeres 'hasn't done enough to start' after an underwhelming first few months in the Premier League.
"He hasn't done enough to start. If you're a goalscorer and you're brought in to put the ball in the back of the net, that's something he has to do. Let's be real. One in three for someone who's playing for a team that creates that many chances in the Premier League? That's not good enough."
Austin also debates whether Arsenal are better off sticking with Gyokeres in order to play him into form or if it's time for a spell out of the side. Merino has stepped into the striker role and done an excellent job at times during his Arsenal career, but it's surely a huge kick in the teeth for Gyokeres if a midfielder gets picked ahead of him.
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Arteta Needs to Show Faith in Gyokeres
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Dropping Gyokeres, who earns £250,000-a-week, for a player who is naturally a central midfielder could damage the Swedish star's confidence. It's not quite worked out for him at the Emirates Stadium just yet, but the Gunners are still performing to a strong level with him in the side.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League table ahead of their game against Aston Villa, which shows Gyokeres' performances haven't damaged their title chances too much. The goals are likely to come, and he just needs to find some momentum and a bit more confidence.