Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres gets criticism after anonymous City display. Gyökeres has come in for a spot of blame after Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City. The striker struggled to impose himself on the affair. It was in the mind that Gyökeres, signed for a huge fee, would be the cutting edge in the big fixtures. However, he ended up being completely invisible. Moreover, he failed to register a single shot on target before eventually getting substituted in the second half.
Pundits Question His Influence
The ex-players felt that the striker did not provide the track expected of a centre-forward for the kind of big match where Arsenal generated chances. Jamie Carragher even wondered whether Gyökeres can ever truly deliver on the big occasions against the best teams.
Arteta Defends His Forward
In response to the criticisms, Mikel Arteta was quite quick to praise his striker just after the match. Arsenal boss said that the team needs to do more to set up clear chances for the striker Gyökeres. Also that, more often than not, Gyökeres’ effort and movement off the ball go underappreciated. Arteta insisted it is now only a matter of time before Gyökeres becomes the one to decide the big games.
Pressure Mounting From Fans
The opinions have now started to divide among supporters. While some wish to give the Swede time to adapt to Arsenal’s system, others fear that the immense amount poured into the club might still not bear the sort of consistent goal returns expected. The discussion has only been intensified by the performance against City since Martinelli was the one to pull off the late equaliser for Arsenal.
Author’s Opinion
The pressure lately will be more on Gyökeres to respond fast, especially with important Premier League and Champions League fixtures approaching. If he produces some tangible performances soon, some pressure would be withdrawn. An anonymous display, however, would only make it harder for him to try to hold the thread of Arsenal’s attack in the biggest games.
