Viktor Gyokeres received mixed reviews upon making his first start for Arsenal in a 3-2 pre-season friendly loss to Villarreal, with fans questioning whether Mikel Arteta's system suits him.
The Swedish striker was handed his non-competitive debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Gunners' final match of their pre-season tour in Asia last week. He was named in Arteta's starting XI and this didn't go unnoticed by opposition defenders who made sure to try and man-mark him out of the game.
Gyokeres wasn't on the scoresheet and lasted 63 minutes before being brought off for Martin Odegaard. The former Sporting CP frontman tried influencing the game but it was the visitors who were the more clinical side.
Gyokeres' Profile Under Scrutiny After Full Arsenal Debut
Some fans think the Gunners won't get the best out of him
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Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal from Sporting after lengthy negotiations, joining Arteta's side in a £64m deal. He was Europe's best goalscorer last season, and many feel he's the missing piece of the puzzle for the Gunners, who have long been crying out for a potent number nine.
The 27-year-old was rarely given a chance to showcase his goalscoring instinct, producing just one shot that tested the gloves of Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior in the second half. He tried getting involved but most of the North Londoners' attacking play came from out wide.
It was Villarreal who came out victorious courtesy of goals from former Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe, Karl Etta Eyong and Arnaut Danjuma. Christian Norgaard hit back while Martin Odegaard was also on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.
Fans who caught Gyokeres' outing seemed to question whether his profile suits Arteta's playing philosophy.
One wrote:
"Normally I hate ‘no service’ excuse for strikers cause it’s up to them to manufacture chances through movement and persistence but our players and manager just have no idea how to play with a Gyokeres profile."
There were some who liked what they saw because they felt the Swede struck fear into the opposition. He won three of four ground duels while successfully completing two dribble attempts.
Another fan stated:
"Gyokeres looks like a handful. They’re fouling him everytime he gets near the ball."
The two-time Liga Portugal Golden Boot winner's dominance up top often comes from his instinctive movement.
A fan pointed this out:
"Players need to just pass to Gyokeres, guys making runs but barely receiving it. Saw how good he is with the ball at his feet when he is in the box, skips past players with ease. Team needs to trust him."
One supporter called him a 'cold-blooded killer':
"Three Villarreal players are man marking Gyokeres wherever he goes. They know he is a cold-blooded killer!"
Gyokeres will be hoping to find the back of the net when Arsenal officially kick the new season off on August 17 when Arteta's men travel to Old Trafford for a clash with Manchester United. It could be the battle of the big-money strikers as the Red Devils are closing in on a deal for former Gunners target Benjamin Sesko.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 06/08/2025