Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s £55 million summer signing, has failed to live up to expectations at the Emirates, prompting calls for his departure. Former England striker Michael Owen has criticised the Swedish forward, labelling him a ‘flat-track bully’ who lacks the requisite class to make a substantial impact in the Premier League.
It’s been a mere five months since Gyokeres joined Arsenal, yet already the hefty price tag seems questionable with only five league goals in 19 appearances. His recent performance against Liverpool, where he managed a paltry eight touches before being substituted after an hour, drew further scrutiny from Owen.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen remarked, “We were on the pitch before kick-off discussing him. The jury is still out. Arsenal have several players who can score, but they expected Gyokeres to be the finishing touch – they’re still searching for that player.”
Owen further commented, “In the crucial fixtures, like a Champions League final, I don’t see him starting. Arsenal will persist with him due to the investment, but his performances need to show more class, especially in top-tier matches like the one against Liverpool.”
The analysis continued with Owen suggesting Gyokeres might only thrive against less formidable adversaries. “Against teams like Burnley and Nottingham Forest, he’ll probably find the net regularly. But it’s the big games where Arsenal need a touch of class, and he doesn’t provide that.”
Owen accused Gyokeres of being the typical ‘flat-track bully’: effective against weaker opponents but ineffective when it matters most. “He may fill his boots against lesser teams and finish the season in double figures, but the real question is, does he influence the pivotal matches? Right now, the answer is no.”
Gyokeres’s struggles aren’t isolated, with Owen acknowledging a wider issue in securing high-quality strikers in the current market. “There’s a shortage of centre-forwards globally. Gyokeres was prolific in Portugal, but the Premier League is another level entirely. It’s not easy for even the world’s best to hit the ground running.”
Sympathising with Arsenal’s manager, Owen added, “I feel for Mikel Arteta. He recognises the issue and had a substantial transfer budget, but options are limited. Although Arsenal’s strong overall performance has masked some deficiencies, it’s clear Gyokeres’s status as a long-term solution remains uncertain.”
The debate on Gyokeres’s future at Arsenal continues as the club assesses its attacking options in pursuit of Premier League glory.