FOOTBALL
Posted on February 26, 2026 6:58 pm | Updated on February 26, 2026 6:57 pm
Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title since 2004. Now, club legend Ray Parlour says new striker Viktor Gyokeres could be the key. After a brilliant game against Tottenham, Parlour compared him to prime Thierry Henry and called him the “missing link” in the title race.
Viktor Gyokeres So far
Viktor Gyokeres is a 27 year old striker from Sweden. Arsenal signed him from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2025 for around £55 million. At Sporting, he was a goal machine who scored 97 goals in 102 games.
When he arrived at Arsenal, things were tough. The Premier League is faster and harder. Viktor Gyokeres took time to settle and faced questions about whether he could lead the attack. But since the start of 2026, he has found his form slowly and steadily. He has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season and eight in 2026 alone. This is more than any other Premier League player. He looks stronger, quicker and more confident every passing week.
🎙 Ian Wright on Viktor Gyökeres's performance so far…..
🗣 "I did say I think he can score between 10 and 12 [Premier League goals].
"If he carries on now, I believe he could probably get more. Every single goal now, when you see Arsenal are in everything, all the… pic.twitter.com/s1uuSrbPCP
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) February 26, 2026
Magic in the North London Derby
Gyokeres had his best game yet on Sunday. Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 in the big derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Swede scored two goals and played his best all round football for the club.
His first goal came early in the second half. He whipped a powerful shot from the edge of the box that flew past the keeper. His second goal was even better. He charged into the box, pushed past a defender and finished calmly. It reminded everyone of the great days of Thierry Henry.
The win was huge. Arsenal had drawn their previous game and needed to bounce back. Gyokeres and teammate Eberechi Eze (who also scored twice) led the charge. The team looked sharp, fast and full of belief.
Just Like Prime Thierry Henry
Ray Parlour played with Thierry Henry during Arsenal’s last title-winning years. He knows what a world-class striker looks like. After the derby, Parlour told The Sun:
“If he can do what he did against Tottenham week in, week out then that would be fantastic. He looked like a different player. He looks a lot more confident. Not just his goals, but the all-round play was much better. He was getting into the right positions. The last goal was like prime Thierry Henry back in the day. Henry used to do that on a regular basis.”
Parlour added that consistent scoring from the striker is what Arsenal need most. “That’s probably where Arsenal are weakest,” he said. “If Gyokeres can carry on that form, that would be the missing link.”
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour praised Viktor Gyokeres as a possible “missing link” in Arsenal’s push for the title, comparing his impact in the derby to that of Thierry Henry because of his decisive performance and overall influence.” pic.twitter.com/KWkRhED6iw
— Oluwakayode🇨🇦 (@Khaytweets) February 26, 2026
The Missing Link for the Title Bid
Arsenal have been close for three seasons in a row, finishing second each time. They have a fantastic team with stars like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and now Eberechi Eze. But they have missed a reliable No.9 who scores big goals week after week.
Gyokeres brings power, speed and finishing. He holds the ball up well, runs the channels and links play. If he keeps performing like he did against Tottenham, he can turn draws into wins and wins into title glory.
Right now, Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Ten games remain. The pressure is on, but Gyokeres is stepping up at the perfect time.
Can Arsenal End the 22-Year Wait?
Winning the Premier League is never easy. Parlour remembers the 2004 Invincibles team and says he never thought the wait would last this long. But this season feels different. With Gyokeres looking like the real deal, the dream is alive.
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