Jermaine Jenas reveals Viktor Gyökeres’ “Unnoticed” Arsenal strength

Viktor Gyökeres’ start to life at Arsenal has been full of highs and lows. The £64m summer signing from Sporting CP was criticised for a quiet debut at Old Trafford, only to silence doubters with three goals in his next three Premier League appearances. Since then, however, he has gone five games without scoring, prompting questions about his finishing consistency.

Yet former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has leapt to the Swede’s defence, pointing out that Gyökeres’ contribution extends far beyond goals. Speaking on the Wildcards podcast, Jenas highlighted the forward’s intelligent movement, which often goes unnoticed by fans and pundits alike.

“When you watch Gyökeres, right, he makes certain runs and he’s in certain positions on the football pitch that Arsenal have not had for a number of years,” Jenas explained. “Sometimes when fans are watching the game… what they’re not seeing is all the runs that go unnoticed. So when that ball comes flashing across the box, he’s there for the tap-ins. They’ve not had a tap-in man for as long as I can remember.”

Jenas’ words ring true. Gyökeres has already shown he can provide the kind of poacher’s goals Arsenal have lacked in recent years. His close-range strike against Nottingham Forest, set up by Eberechi Eze, was a classic example.

But he is no mere goalhanger. In Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United, Gyökeres sprinted from the halfway line, beat the offside trap and cut inside to finish with precision — a goal that demonstrated pace, intelligence and composure.

This variety is what persuaded Mikel Arteta to make him Arsenal’s No.14. Gyökeres can score scrappy tap-ins, stretch defences with clever movement, and create chances for himself.

For now, Gyökeres faces little immediate threat for his starting role, with Kai Havertz sidelined until late November. But when the German returns, the competition for places could prove decisive.

Jamie Carragher has already suggested Arteta will favour Havertz once fit, meaning Gyökeres must prove himself week in, week out to keep his spot. Arsenal fans have seen how competition has improved teammates: Martin Ødegaard raised his game after Eze’s arrival, while Gabriel Martinelli found new energy following Noni Madueke’s signing.

If history repeats, Havertz’s return may push Gyökeres to elevate his own performances.

John William, FootballPlace analyst, believes Jenas’ observation is spot on:

“Arsenal have lacked a true penalty-box striker who thrives on runs and tap-ins. Gyökeres is bringing that, even if he’s not currently scoring every week. Movement creates chances not just for him, but for teammates. When defenders track his runs, space opens up for the likes of Eze and Martinelli.”

He added: “The key for Gyökeres will be consistency. The Premier League is unforgiving, and Havertz will be waiting in the wings. But if he continues making those clever runs, the goals will return.”

Arsenal face a crucial run of fixtures before the November international break, with Arteta needing Gyökeres to rediscover his scoring touch. Fulham, Crystal Palace and a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid all present chances for the Swede to make his mark.

Longer term, the return of Havertz will test his place in the side. Whether Gyökeres can combine his unseen traits with clinical finishing may decide not only his starting role but also Arsenal’s attacking balance this season.

👉 Do you agree with Jermaine Jenas that Viktor Gyökeres’ movement is just as important as goals for Arsenal?