Jamie Carragher on Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned Viktor Gyokeres’ role in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans, suggesting the Swedish striker may find himself benched for Arsenal’s biggest matches despite his prolific scoring record.
Arsenal have begun the new Premier League campaign in commanding form, winning both of their opening fixtures without conceding a goal. A gritty 1-0 triumph at Manchester United on opening day was followed by a dominant 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates, where Gyokeres marked his home debut with a brace.
However, Arteta faces a mounting injury list ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Liverpool. Captain Martin Odegaard remains a doubt with a shoulder problem despite travelling with the squad, Bukayo Saka is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Kai Havertz is recovering from knee surgery. Ben White, Christian Norgaard, and long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus also remain unavailable, leaving Arsenal stretched in attack.
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Gyokeres, a £63.7 million summer signing from Sporting Lisbon after scoring a remarkable 54 goals in 52 games last season, is expected to carry much of Arsenal’s attacking burden at Anfield. But Carragher is not convinced the 27-year-old will be Arteta’s first choice when the biggest games arrive.
Arsenal - Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Writing inThe Telegraph, Carragher argued that Havertz’s adaptability and experience in Arteta’s system give him the edge when both players are fit: “That is why my suspicion is Kai Havertz would have started ahead of Gyokeres on Sunday but for injury. As the season progresses, it is hard to imagine a fully fit Havertz being relegated to a deputy for the biggest Premier League and Champions League games.
“Gyokeres has the look of a useful alternative, a different profile of striker offering a solution against the less fashionable teams as and when required, not an out-and-out replacement for the German.”
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Gary Neville, however, has taken a contrasting view. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United captain backed Gyokeres to play a central role in Arsenal’s attack and floated the possibility of Arteta deploying him alongside Havertz later in the season.
“Arsenal needed a centre forward and brought one in. I saw glimpses that made me think he’ll be a handful. [Gabriel] Martinelli looks like he’s struggling, maybe getting Gyokeres and Havertz in together is something he has to try,” Neville said.
With key players missing and a crucial early-season clash at Anfield looming, Arteta’s approach to his attacking options is set to face its sternest test yet.
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