Paul Merson has raised serious concerns that Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres could cost the club the Premier League title in the tense final months of the season.
Merson Questions Gyokeres’ Arsenal Impact
The Gunners secured a dramatic 3-0 win over Bournemouth last Saturday, but the former England international focused on the performance of their striker.
Gyokeres, a £64 million acquisition from Sporting CP, has managed just one goal in the last two months, prompting Merson to question his instincts in front of goal.
“I don’t think Arsenal have a natural goalscorer,” Merson stated on Sky Sports.
“Gyokeres has come in and is supposed to be that player, but I don’t think he’s a natural. He’s never tapping balls in.
When it gets down to those last eight nervy games, you might need that something out of nothing.”
Despite Arsenal sitting six points clear at the top, Merson believes the Swede’s lack of finesse could prove pivotal.
He suggested manager Mikel Arteta might eventually prefer Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in the central role.
However, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice strongly defended his teammate. He highlighted Gyokeres’s overall contribution, arguing the team’s position owes much to the striker’s work.
“It’s tough for him because he’s got two defenders on him all game,” Rice said. “He has to use his strength.
I see how hard he hits a ball, and when that space arrives, he will score. Trust me, we wouldn’t be where we are without him.”
The debate surfaces as Arsenal prepare for a crucial clash against Liverpool on Thursday.
With Manchester City close behind, every moment in the title race carries immense weight, placing Gyokeres’s form under intense scrutiny.
