Jamie Carragher questions Viktor Gyokeres’ place in Arsenal’s lineup
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has called on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to remove Viktor Gyokeres from the starting lineup, arguing the Swedish striker is not up to standard. The £64 million summer acquisition led the attack as the Gunners demolished title challengers Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday evening, yet once again failed to register from open play, reports BritPanorama.
This marked the seventh successive Premier League fixture in which Gyokeres has been unable to score from open play, with the 27-year-old squandering several clear-cut opportunities and making minimal contribution to Arsenal’s forward play despite the comprehensive victory.
The pressure on the Swedish forward mounted considerably when Gabriel Jesus entered the fray as his replacement and found the net within a minute of coming on, curling home a superb strike.
That brief but stunning contribution from the Brazilian was sufficient to persuade Carragher that Jesus deserves to lead the line ahead of Gyokeres going forward. The Sky Sports pundit also suggested that Kai Havertz, who remained an unused substitute throughout the Villa clash, should be elevated above the former Sporting Lisbon man in the pecking order.
Carragher made clear his belief that both Jesus and the German international represent superior options through the middle compared to Arsenal’s big-money recruit. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher declared: “I am a huge fan of Jesus, always have been. He’s not always an amazing finisher, but he’s a fantastic footballer.”
The former England international was unequivocal in his assessment of the situation at the Emirates. “The one negative out of tonight for Arsenal is that Gyokeres should not be starting when they have players like this,” Carragher stated.
He added: “He’s a better player than Gyokeres – that’s a fact.” Carragher was particularly critical of what the Swedish striker brings to the team, saying: “Him or Havertz as the central striker is a better player than Gyokeres; he lacks finesse and quality when you think of what they’ve got them on the bench.”
The goal from Jesus represented his first since returning from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for 11 months. Arteta was visibly delighted when discussing the Brazilian’s contribution after the final whistle. “I’m very happy for [Jesus]. He’s put in an incredible effort, and he’s relentless; he wants more,” the Arsenal manager said.
The Spaniard also highlighted the forward’s mental state following his lengthy rehabilitation period. “He looks really, really, really happy. His emotional state is really high at the moment, and he needed that goal,” Arteta added.
Arsenal are next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Gunners lost 2-1 in the same fixture last term, with the Cherries coming away with a crucial away win following goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson in the second half.
As the Gunners prepare for their next match, the spotlight remains on how Arteta will manage his squad dynamics — a delicate balance between nurturing talent and ensuring results in a demanding league.
