Via REUTERS/Cathal Mcnaughton
Ahead of the new Premier League season, there will be plenty of narratives for Arsenal to contend with. The primary one will focus on how well they can defend their title, but one player may have to deal with diving allegations.
That is at least the feelings of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett. The retired referee has singled out one star in Mikel Arteta's current group as a possible issue for officials to deal with in 2026/27.
The man in question is Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 21 times in total for the Gunners last term, leading the line as the north London outfit finally got their hands on the Premier League title after a 22-year wait. Despite that, his performances left many unconvinced, and Hackett has forecast more difficulties ahead for the Swede.
Mikel Arteta Told To 'Have a Word' With Arsenal 'Diver'
In Arsenal's latest pre-season friendly, Gyokeres started as the Gunners were beaten 3-2 by Borussia Dortmund at home in the Emirates Cup. The 28-year-old had a mixed outing, scoring from the penalty spot, but also missing a few other openings as he looked to build his match sharpness.
One moment in particular sparked a strong reaction from ex-PGMOL boss Hackett.
In the 40th minute, new signing Christos Tzolis clipped a clever ball down the channel for Gyokeres to run onto. It looked as though the centre-forward was in a good position to get a shot away, but instead threw himself to the floor under pressure from Joane Gadou.
The plea for a penalty was waved away by the referee, with Gyokeres left frustrated. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett couldn't understand why the Arsenal star went down. He then claimed that referees have now 'clocked' his poor diving skills, noting
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres Ready For Community Shield Meeting vs Man City
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal will begin the 2026/27 season with the curtain-raiser Community Shield match against Manchester City on 16 Augst. Although many view that game much like a glorified friendly, Gyokeres has insisted it means a lot to the players.
After the Dortmund game, when asked how seriously he will be taking it, he looked perplexed by the question, firing back: "I don't know what other people think, but of course we want to win that game for sure. There is no question about that."
After that, the Gunners kick off their title defence with their Premier League opener at the Emirates. against newly-promoted Coventry City on 21 August.