Arsenal were beaten by rivals Manchester United in Matchweek 23 of the Premier League. In a game in which they were expected to take all three points, Arsenal miserably failed, losing the game 3-2. The loss also ended Arsenal’s winning streak at home, which lasted nearly three years. After the defeat, multiple pundits delivered their say on Arsenal’s performance, with some fans fuming at the team as well. Former England striker Gary Lineker has shared his detailed opinion on the loss and what went wrong for the Gunners. Gary Lineker has also shared a potential signing Arsenal could make. Lineker believes it would be “game over” for Arsenal’s title rivals, Manchester City, if Arsenal manage to make the signing. The signing Gary Lineker believes could do that is Julian Alvarez, who plays for Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Gary Lineker on Arsenal’s defeat
Gary Lineker highlighted the most evident and obvious problem in Arsenal’s football. Arsenal have been exceptional this season while defending. But when they go forward, the Gunners have looked toothless on most occasions. They have strongly lacked creativity and a goal-scoring presence to be very precise. Viktor Gyokeres was supposed to be the fulcrum at the top of the pitch, providing the bulk of the goals. However, he has been a massive disappointment this season. The Swedish international has managed to score just 5 goals in the Premier League this season.
“They’ve not got anyone really banging in the goals on a regular basis. Gabriel Jesus has come back and scored one or two but there was a reason they needed to sign a new No. 9 in the first place. I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and harries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky – when he’s on he’s on but when he’s off he a bit of a confidence player,” Lineker said.
Gary Lineker on Julian Alvarez
Lineker then went on to discuss the prospect of Arsenal signing Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez. He complimented the player, praising his goal-scoring ability and the fact that he is a World Cup winner.
🗣️Gary Lineker thinks Julian Alvarez would be the ideal signing for #Arsenal: “I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and carries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky – when he’s on he’s on but when he’s off he a bit of a confidence player.… pic.twitter.com/0RQ51YxmhQ
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) January 26, 2026
“It’s probably complete b*** as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico. Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over,” Lineker said.
Julian Alvarez at Arsenal would truly be exciting. As Lineker has mentioned, it would even potentially be “game over” for Manchester City in the title race. Arsenal would finally have a goal-scoring source, which would eventually solve their problem going forward with the ball.
Bukayo Saka after the defeat
Arsenal’s starboy Bukayo Saka, shared his thoughts after the disappointing loss against Manchester United. “I think we didn’t show our best level for the full game, which is frustrating,’ Saka said. ‘It’s such a big game with a lot riding on it. Obviously, the Emirates has been a place where we’ve been so strong this season. It’s a tough loss to take, but we have to stick together. We go again next week; we’ll try and get back to winning ways,” Saka said.
Conclusion
This season’s title race for the Premier League is going to be one for the ages by the looks of it. Frontrunners Arsenal are slipping up, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are in hot pursuit, just 4 points behind Arsenal. Furthermore, we have also got a rejuvenated Manchester United in red-hot form. These last few months of football is going to be exciting.
As featured on GoonerNews.com