Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided to throw Viktor Gyokeres straight into the spotlight against Manchester United.
Although Theo Walcott thought Arsenal would start Kai Havertz at Old Trafford, it was Viktor Gyokeres who led the line for Arteta.
All in all, Gyokeres played 60 minutes before being replaced by Kai Havertz, who isn’t used to sitting on the bench for the Gunners.
Following his debut, Rio Ferdinand defended Gyokeres somewhat – he wasn’t keen for the striker to be judged after only an hour of football.
Despite winning 1-0, Arsenal didn’t play well, and although Gyokeres looked strong and fast running in the channels, he received very little service up top.
Ian Wright shares what he said to Viktor Gyokeres after his first Arsenal match
That being said, when speaking on Arseblog’s ‘Arsecast’, Ian Wright has now shared what he’s already been telling Gyokeres behind the scenes.
Wright seemed to recognise that Gyokeres had a lot of pressure on his shoulders at Arsenal this summer, and he drew similarities between the striker’s situation and his own back in the day.
Viktor Gyokeres during Arsenal vs Manchester United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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And Wright ultimately said that he had been telling Gyokeres to keep trusting the faith he has in his own ability.
Wright said: “I’ve got a kind of dialogue with literally every player in that dressing room.
“I could send a message, they’ll send a message back, and I’ve already sent my messages to Viktor and he’s already sent them back, you know, and how much he’s looking forward to doing what he’s doing.
“And like I sent that message about Viktor, you’re mirroring me, so all you’ve got to do now is continue to have the faith in yourself that got you through the hard times.
“Because you doubt yourself, you doubt yourself because all of a sudden you’re coming into a dressing room and you’re playing with Saka and you’re playing with Odegaard, you know what I mean?
“You’re playing with two arguably the best centre backs in the world, you’re playing with Declan Rice, one of the best midfielders in the world, Zubimendi, your level has gone somewhere else.”
Viktor Gyokeres deserves to keep his starting spot against Leeds United
Although Arsenal will have expected a tough test when heading to Old Trafford on the opening weekend, Ruben Amorim’s side were arguably better than they could have even expected.
But without disrespecting Leeds United, Arsenal should find things slightly more comfortable at the Emirates this coming weekend.
Leeds were very impressive when beating Everton on Monday night, but a trip to the Emirates is a different proposition.
And whilst some might be calling for Arteta to give Havertz a chance to start up top, Gyokeres deserves another opportunity from the off to impress.
Jurrien Timber has already been impressed by Gyokeres at Arsenal, and whilst Arteta might struggle to balance minutes in his squad this season, he’ll probably recognise that dropping his big-money striker to the bench might send the wrong message.
Gyokeres is under intense scrutiny right now, and Arteta will be wary of protecting his new signing.