Viktor Gyokeres failed to score as Arsenal was held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at the Emirates, with Micah Richards warning the Swedish striker that he must improve quickly
Scott Trotter and Matty Hewitt Football Writer
17:28, 09 Jan 2026
Viktor Gyokeres is struggling for form at Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres is struggling for form at Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres must rediscover his goalscoring form "fast" if he hopes to keep his place in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up.
The Swedish forward failed to find the net against Liverpool, and according to Micah Richards, he needs to deliver more or risk being eclipsed by Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners were held to a goalless draw by Arne Slot's players at the Emirates and missed their opportunity to take advantage of Manchester City's slip-up against Brighton.
As a result, Arsenal's ability to create and finish chances clinically is now under scrutiny. Gyokeres joined in a big-money move during the summer to solve Arsenal's goalscoring problems.
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The former Sporting Lisbon striker has notched just one goal in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Former Manchester City defender Richards reckons the Arsenal missed a chance to claim all three points against Liverpool, especially given the team's injury problems. The Reds were without Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike on Thursday, while Mohamed Salah is still at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: "Arsenal did try to go and try to win the game, but they didn't have enough quality. Gyokeres needs to find something from somewhere.
Gyokeres failed to present a threat on Thursday
Gyokeres failed to present a threat on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)
"He needs to find it fast. Jesus comes on the pitch second half, and he lights it up a little bit.
"I still think there'll be frustration, though (after drawing). There were a few groans from the crowd after the game. Man City dropping points at Brighton. In the first half, Arsenal were so dominant with the ball, but they couldn't find the last little pass in the end.
"I know you look back at the season and think, 'Ah, a draw against a Liverpool' - but this is a wounded Liverpool side. No Isak, no Ekitike, no Salah. All their firepower was out.
"So you're thinking this is the time to play Liverpool. Especially after a couple of their results and they couldn't get it over the line. Yes, they didn't lose the game, but I know in the dressing room they'll be frustrated they didn't get all three points."
Richards dismissed suggestions that Arsenal's approach was overly defensive, instead insisting they simply lacked cutting edge in the final third. He believed Gyokeres failed to make the correct runs when openings presented themselves.
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"I just feel like they couldn't open up the doors," Richards explained. "They had a few chances around the box. It was half chances, but the last pass or little bit of composure in the final third when they needed it, and they just didn't have it.
"I thought Saka did alright in the first half. He went down the byline against Kerkez and put it in. The runs weren't right. There was a really good ball in the first half when you're thinking, 'Where is Gyokeres in the box?'
"All the runs that you talk about, Alan. When the ball is coming into him, the movement, it just wasn't there. That's partly because Liverpool defended well. They were very organized; I thought Van Dijk was good. Conor Bradley, I thought he was good as well."