Viktor Gyökeres is still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the season, and for a striker of his reputation, that’s always going to attract attention.
But are we becoming too focused on whether the Swede is scoring, rather than what else he’s bringing to Arsenal’s attack?
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton offered another opportunity to assess his contribution, and while he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet, he certainly wasn’t without influence.
Two Assists in Two Games for Gyökeres
Making his first Premier League start of the campaign, Gyökeres was credited with the assist for Ezri Konsa’s seventh-minute opener.
As Sky Sports highlighted in its match analysis, that followed another assist in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.
We saw the striker involved in the excellent passing move that released Declan Rice for our equaliser in Germany.
Two assists in consecutive appearances might not be the return Gyökeres himself would have hoped for, but they’re contributions worth recognising.
After all, if a striker is helping create goals while the team is winning, surely that counts for something?
And if that same striker is occupying the attention of opposition centre-backs, pulling defenders towards him and creating space in the box for his teammates to exploit, that contribution shouldn’t be underestimated either.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Can Gyökeres Bring His International Form to Arsenal?
It’s also worth remembering that Gyökeres hasn’t forgotten how to score goals!
The Swede recently made Nations League history, becoming the first player to score in six then seven consecutive matches in the competition. That’s an extraordinary achievement, and a reminder of the goalscoring ability he possesses.
Yet Saturday was only his first Premier League start of the season, so perhaps he needs more opportunities to establish some rhythm in Arsenal’s attack.
Gyökeres played 68 minutes against Everton before Kai Havertz replaced him, continuing the selection debate surrounding Arsenal’s centre-forward position.
Havertz offers intelligence, movement and experience, while Gyökeres brings a different physical presence to our attack.
With Bukayo Saka unavailable, developing an understanding with different combinations of attacking players becomes even more important.
Of course, goals will ultimately be how Gyökeres is judged, and nobody is suggesting that two assists suddenly answer every question about his form.
However, as we saw in Arsenal’s victory over Everton, the team is finding ways to win, and Gyökeres is playing his part.
Perhaps the goals will follow as his confidence and understanding with his teammates grow.
Gooners, are we overlooking what Gyökeres contributes beyond goals, and should Arteta give him a longer run in the starting XI?
Join the discussion in the comments below.
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