Arsenal fans have no reason to fear after Viktor Gyokeres's unremarkable debut against Manchester United on Sunday, as Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp both took a while to click into gear in North London, a Gunners legend has exclusively told Sports Mole.
Mikel Arteta handed the Sweden international his full competitive debut against his former admirers at Old Trafford, one week after he scored his first goal in red and white in a 3-0 friendly triumph over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup.
Gyokeres almost came away from that game with a brace, but he was lacklustre at the Theatre of Dreams; the 27-year-old did not have a single shot, lost possession 11 times, only won one of his six aerial duels and committed three fouls before being replaced by Kai Havertz on the hour mark.
However, three-time Premier League winner Ray Parlour has highlighted two pleasing aspects of Gyokeres's debut - his link-up play and bursts down the wings - and implored Gooners to remember Bergkamp and Henry's early struggles.
“It was an important win for Arsenal having not been at their best, and integrating a few new players into the team takes time," Parlour said. "Going to Old Trafford is never easy, especially on the opening day of the season as well.
"Mikel Arteta will be very happy with the win and then get the team on the training ground to keep working. It was a big call to start Viktor Gyokeres from the start and he did OK.
Parlour highlights two pleasing aspects of Gyokeres's Arsenal debut
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres on August 17, 2025
"You can see his physical strength will cause defenders a lot of problems and he ran well down the flanks when balls were put there. His link-up play was good and he will gain more confidence as he plays more games.
"It’s so important for Arsenal to add a different dimension to their game and you can see his will give them this. Arsenal lacked depth last season and you can see already they look a lot stronger to compete this season.
"Remember it took [Dennis] Bergkamp and [Thierry] Henry quite a few games to score their first goal and impress so I am confident he will do well for Arsenal.”
Henry left Arsenal in 2007 as the greatest goalscorer to ever wear the shirt, but the 228-goal Frenchman did not open his Gunners account until his ninth game, failing to score or set up a teammate in his first eight competitive matches following his 1999 arrival.
Meanwhile, Bergkamp - Henry's trusty long-time partner during the Arsene Wenger glory days - needed eight appearances to score his first goal for Arsenal and ended up with 120 to his name, putting him 11th on the Gunners' all-time list.
In spite of Gyokeres's struggles, the Gunners left Old Trafford with an incredibly hard-fought three points thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori header in the first half, as Altay Bayindir handed the Italian his goal on a plate after flapping at a Declan Rice corner.
Arsenal's history of 1-0 wins over Man United at Old Trafford
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on August 17, 2025
Arsenal players and staff were under no illusions that they were fortunate to come away with all three points, though, as Man United dominated for large periods through their new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
However, Parlour remembered the significance of such victories at Old Trafford, adding: “We won 1-0 in 1998 and 2002 and went on to win the league. It’s game one of 38, a really tough place to go. A 1-0 win is excellent, to come away with three points, but a lot of work to do offensively.
"We know Arsenal can defend. We know Raya, Gabriel and Saliba are top players and they showed it again yesterday. Full-backs were very good as well and the subs made a difference. Arsenal now need to get that second goal after scoring first and go on to win the game comfortably.
"Next up away is Liverpool. A massive test for Arsenal; they will know that Liverpool can convert chances so Arsenal have to be ready. Leeds United at home next which is a game Arsenal can look to dominate, but it’s about the squad and they do have that depth now.”
Arteta also delivered his assessment of Gyokeres's Arsenal debut, while Man United's new number nine Benjamin Sesko only made it onto the pitch for the final 25 minutes, although he did create two chances in that time.
Ray Parlour was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting.
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