Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has come under scrutiny after struggling to match the explosive form that made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards at Sporting CP.
The Swedish international, who joined the Gunners in July 2025 for a fee reported to be around £85 million, has found the net just five times in 13 matches. More concerningly, he hasn’t scored in the Premier League since 13 September, a dry spell that’s begun to test patience among Arsenal fans.
According to Fotbollskanalen journalist Tobias Hellgren, the issue lies not with Gyökeres himself — but with Mikel Arteta’s tactical system, which he believes fails to play to the striker’s strengths.
“In his defence, Arsenal’s game is not built around Gyökeres in the same way as it was at Sporting. It affects him. There is much more control here…” — Tobias Hellgren, Fotbollskanalen
From Lisbon Hero to London Learner
Gyökeres’ record at Sporting was staggering — 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 appearances, including 54 goals and 13 assists last season alone. His power, pace, and relentless pressing made him the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s attack, with the entire system geared toward his movement and finishing.
At Arsenal, the story is different. Arteta’s positional game demands constant interplay, patience, and precision. Rather than running into open space, Gyökeres is often required to drop deep, link play, and rotate wide — a shift that limits the chaos and instinctive attacking style that defined him in Portugal.
Haaland Comparison Adds Pressure
Hellgren also suggested that Erling Haaland’s sensational impact at Manchester City has unfairly distorted expectations for new Premier League strikers.
“And it’s Erling Haaland’s fault! He came into the Premier League and delivered record numbers straight away. That’s the expectation these days.” — Tobias Hellgren, Fotbollskanalen
Haaland’s arrival in 2022 set new benchmarks, with the Norwegian scoring 52 goals in all competitions during his debut season. As Hellgren points out, that instant success has made it harder for others like Gyökeres to be judged fairly, particularly in a side where goals are shared across multiple positions.
Arsenal’s System: Help or Hindrance?
There’s merit to the argument. Arteta’s tactical setup thrives on structured dominance — long spells of possession and overloads in wide areas — but it doesn’t necessarily maximise an out-and-out striker’s natural instincts.
At Sporting, Gyökeres attacked direct service from wingers and midfield runners; at Arsenal, he’s more often facing crowded boxes and intricate build-up phases. Even Gabriel Jesus has at times struggled to maintain scoring consistency in such a framework.
Still, Arteta is unlikely to change his principles. The Spaniard values control over chaos, and his track record — lifting the 2024 FA Cup and pushing City for the title — suggests he won’t compromise easily.
Our View: Patience Is the Key
In our view, Gyökeres remains a high-ceiling player adjusting to a demanding system. His work rate and link-up play have already improved Arsenal’s press, even if the goals haven’t flowed.
What he needs now is rhythm — and perhaps more service. The return of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard from minor knocks could give him the kind of quick interplay that makes his runs more effective. With his confidence rebuilt, the finishing touch that defined him in Lisbon will likely return.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William notes:
“Gyökeres is still adapting. Arteta’s structure is precise, but it’s not built for a pure number nine to run riot. If Arsenal can tweak transitions and give him more early passes, the goals will come. Fans just need to give him time.”
Key Insights
- Viktor Gyökeres has scored five goals in 13 games since joining Arsenal from Sporting.
- Tobias Hellgren says Arteta’s system “affects him” by limiting his natural game.
- The striker hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since 13 September.
- Erling Haaland’s success at Manchester City has raised unrealistic standards.
- Arsenal remain top-four contenders despite the Swede’s slow start.
What’s Next
Gyökeres is expected to start against Burnley on 1 November 2025, with Arteta likely to keep faith in his record signing. Arsenal fans will hope Turf Moor provides the stage for the Swede to rediscover his scoring touch.
👉 Arsenal fans — is Arteta’s system holding Viktor Gyökeres back, or does he simply need time to adapt?
By John William — FootballPlace.co.uk
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