FOOTBALL
By Piyush Wankhede
Posted on February 13, 2026 10:45 am | Updated on February 13, 2026 10:29 am
A shift in the mood is there around Striker Viktor Gyokeres these days at Arsenal Football Club. In this case, even though opinions split on if it is real progress or just some luck hiding behind real data. His early games felt bad, especially compared to how he had performed up the pitch in Portugal. Lately, moments like scoring twice for Gunners versus Sunderland changed ears and eyes around him. Some now say he finally fits into England’s Premier league. Others remain cautious, pointing out that numbers alone can paint pictures that fade fast under closer look. What those goals actually reveal is how long-term strength or short-lived luck is about.
Arsenal Striker Gyokeres- Momentum or Misleading?
Early on, things did not go good for Gyokeres like they did back at Sporting CP, where goals came nearly every game. Instead of finding the net, he faced quiet games where the whole matches were passing without impact. His start drew raised eyebrows. Also, those sharp bursts and clinical finishes seemed lost. Where there was once relentless pressure and scoring rhythm, now gaps appeared, long spells between moments worth noting. The spotlight stayed fixed, waiting.
Still, after January began his numbers climbed fast. By 2026, Gyokeres had outscored every Premier League name in total matches, while eight games brought six goals just as Arsenal stretched their gap at number one. Lately, he found the net in a 3–0 defeat of Sunderland, adding finishes spread through league and continental clashes.
Still, a note of warning surfaces now and then. Goals coming up when facing weaker teams, not tough backlines, makes some question whether it’s real growth or just easier matchups at play. A string of quiet outings, minimal attempts, little ball contact – keeps doubts alive about how smoothly he’s settling in. Numbers paint one picture, yet gaps remain visible.
Adaptation, Tactics And Role At Arsenal
One reason people question if Striker Viktor Gyokeres is truly clicking now ties to how his job has shifted since joining Arsenal. Back at Sporting CP, he stayed front and central in attacks, getting clean passes and straightforward opportunities that led to lots of goals. With Mikel Arteta’s setup, though, being a forward means extra duties beyond finishing like chasing defenders, shielding the ball, or drifting wide so others can cut inside.
Through rough spells, Arteta has stood by the forward pointing out how he helps shape games even without scoring. Still, Alan Shearer, a top name from past league days thinks Gyokeres might not hit those high totals again in England. However, his effort between the lines and passing touch keep him useful, with strikes likely arriving later. On another note, voices such as Gary Lineker have questioned parts of his positioning, hinting that sharper dashes into space might open up more attempts on goal.
One look at fan-run stats tells a steady story. His scoring rate fits well as compared to others, despite Arsenal’s setup shaping chances differently. However, digging into xG numbers reveals noise beneath clean sheets. Performance spikes might just be timing, not transformation. Good runs fool eyes, say sharp watchers, where data stays quiet.
What really matters comes down to how he performs when facing top teams under pressure, moments when small differences decide outcomes. Should Gyokeres keep finding the net and setting up chances during key games, his stats begin to show true adjustment instead of being shaped by weaker rivals or one-sided team control.
Conclusion
Arsenal Striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again got a headline running. He has been in form this year with 6 goals in 8 matches. However, some people say it is just luck or he performs only against small clubs. However, Mikel Arteta and team feel he is a very key player for them.
It will be interesting to see how he performs next? Will he be back at his best? Can he silence the criticisms soon? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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