Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has seen his Premier League debut defender by a former title-winner after he failed to record a shot against Manchester United at Old Trafford
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres endured a tough afternoon against Manchester United
(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has been handed a vote of confidence after failing to record a shot on his Premier League debut. The Arsenal striker was unable to provide a threat for the Gunners as his side came away 1-0 victors against Manchester United.
Former Blackburn and Celtic foward Chris Sutton reckons there is nothing yet to worry about in Gyokeres' performance however. The Swede arrived in a £63.5million deal to finally hand Mikel Arteta a goalscorer for his frontline, after the 27-year-old bagged 55 goals in 53 matches for Sporting CP last season.
Gyokeres' failure to record a shot has sparked much debate in the aftermath of Arsenal's opening match of the season. Jamie Carragher has suggested that Gunners boss Arteta will not utilise his new striker in the toughest matches, while Gary Neville suggested he will be an 'impact signing'.
Sutton believes any critics of Gyokeres' performance may be better off looking elsewhere when assessing the reasons for his struggle at Old Trafford. The pundit was left unimpressed with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli's performances and believes they made an impact.
"It's just typical isn't in that there is instant judgement and people are making their minds up on him after an hour," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "When players move to a new club, some fit in better than others, but it takes them all a time to settle in.
"In the final third, it is about combinations and understanding of others so you know how they will link up with others. Gyokeres didn't get any service on Sunday. Bukayo Saka had a pretty poor game and Gabriel Martinelli didn't really look for him, so it is going to take time.
"No matter which way you want to look at the Portuguese league, his numbers were phenomenal and his finishing in the Champions League showed he is a pretty good striker.
"As a striker you need to get the opportunities so that understanding of one another should come the longer they train together and as the season goes on."
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres was substituted for Kai Havertz
England international Saka, was impressed with Gyokeres' efforts. The Arsenal talisman believes the experience will be beneficial as they continue to adjust to each other's styles.
England winger Saka said: “I was impressed with him and he battled for us. It was tough. There was a big battle up there. I thought he did well.
“His performance gives us something to build on and I am sure it will help him next week. He has slotted in well and so have the other guys.”
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