Sporting CP expert Sam Fonseca has exclusively told TBR Football why Arsenal fans should not be worried about Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international has come in for plenty of criticism following his Premier League debut at Old Trafford.
Gyokeres made just four passes in his 60 minutes on the pitch and failed to register a shot.
Benjamin Sesko played 31 minutes and took two shots – also making four passes – to compare the duo.
Despite a slow start for Viktor Gyokeres, Fonseca urged Arsenal fans to be patient when speaking to TBR Football.
Exclusive: Sporting CP expert shares what is “key” for Arsenal to make Viktor Gyokeres tick
The Swede remarkably netted 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP – but interestingly had a slow start to life in Lisbon as well.
Gyokeres failed to score in three of his first four Liga Portugal outings following a £20m move from Coventry in July 2023 – before taking off and becoming the £64m star he is today.
Discussing how Sporting CP helped to make that happen, Fonseca told TBR Football: “Honestly, there wasn’t really any moaning (at the start).
“Even in those matches where he didn’t score, he was still very dangerous. Constantly getting shots off, stretching defences, and he even hit the woodwork a few times. People could already see he brought something completely different: intensity, direct running, and that ability to accelerate play and be a protagonist in attack.
“That’s the thing with him, he’s not a poacher who waits around in the box. He thrives when he’s involved in chaos, running channels, creating spaces for others, and keeping defenders uncomfortable. Arsenal don’t naturally offer him that sort of platform right now, since Arteta’s side leans more towards control and structure.
“Given he’s clearly not fully match fit yet either, the real conclusions should only be drawn later into the season around September or October time.
“Once Sporting adjusted to Gyokeres, and he to them, he became unstoppable. Patience is key, his qualities are elite – it’s just about Arsenal finding the best way to maximise them.”
The man born in Stockholm ended up scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances in that 2023/24 campaign – also providing 15 assists – so any Arsenal fans who are worried have reason to relax.
Arsenal have absolutely no regrets after choosing Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal also considered signing Sesko earlier this summer before deciding to walk away from talks with RB Leipzig, after the German side demanded €90m (£78m).
TBR Football understand Arsenal are satisfied they got the better striker in Gyokeres and have been encouraged by what the Swede has shown in training.
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – revealed: “They think they’ve got the better option.
“Once Arsenal decided he was the one, they’ve been very happy. The coaches are buzzing with Gyokeres in training and absolutely loving what they’re seeing. They’re really pleased with him.”
With the Gunners facing newly-promoted Leeds on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres has a better chance to kickstart his Arsenal career.