Paul Merson has claimed Arsenal’s players “don’t trust” Viktor Gyökeres, questioning whether the striker’s struggles in north London go beyond form and into a deeper issue of chemistry within Mikel Arteta’s side.
The former Gunners midfielder made the remarks after Gyökeres endured another quiet outing during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Chelsea, despite the team booking their place at Wembley.
Gyökeres struggles for involvement against Chelsea
Gyökeres was handed the start up front after scoring in the first leg and netting in recent wins over Leeds, Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty. However, his influence against Chelsea was minimal.
During his 69 minutes on the pitch, the Swedish international managed just 10 touches, registered a single shot and completed only one pass. He was eventually replaced by Kai Havertz, who went on to score a stoppage-time winner and underline the contrast in impact.
Signed last summer in a deal rising above £60m, Gyökeres arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable finishers. While he has scored 11 goals in all competitions, only six have come in 22 Premier League appearances, leaving him well down the Golden Boot standings.
Merson: ‘They never pass to him’
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Merson suggested Gyökeres’ lack of involvement is not accidental, claiming Arsenal’s players actively look elsewhere when he is available.
“Arsenal don’t trust him, the players — they never pass to him. You watch him. Next time he comes short they go ‘no’,” — Paul Merson
Merson argued that the pattern is clear when watching Arsenal’s build-up play, with teammates frequently opting against feeding the striker even when he drops into space.
Are Arsenal ‘not used to’ a striker?
Fellow Arsenal legend Ian Wright offered a slightly different perspective, questioning whether the issue stems from Arteta’s squad adapting to a traditional centre-forward after years without one.
Wright suggested Arsenal’s attacking habits may still be geared towards fluid, interchangeable forward lines rather than servicing a fixed focal point.
Roy Keane added that Gyökeres may need to be more assertive in demanding the ball, a view Wright partly endorsed, suggesting responsibility also lies with the striker himself.
Jesus comparison raises questions
Merson pointed to the contrast when Gabriel Jesus leads the line, noting how Arsenal’s passing patterns appear to change immediately.
Despite having just four goals this season following his return from an ACL injury, Jesus has often been more involved in Arsenal’s link-up play.
“And then Jesus comes on, they just keep giving him it all the time. It’s different,” — Paul Merson
The comparison has intensified debate over whether Gyökeres’ struggles are tactical, relational, or simply a matter of adaptation in his first Premier League season.
Key Insights
- Paul Merson claims Arsenal players “don’t trust” Gyökeres
- The striker had just 10 touches against Chelsea
- Havertz made a decisive impact after replacing him
- Gyökeres has six league goals in 22 appearances
- Gabriel Jesus appears more involved when leading the line
What’s Next
Gyökeres is expected to remain in contention for starting roles as Arsenal continue to compete on multiple fronts. With key fixtures ahead and a Carabao Cup final looming, Arteta faces a decision on whether to persist with the Swede or adjust his attacking setup to maximise output.
Is Gyökeres being let down by Arsenal’s system — or does he need to demand more from those around him?
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