Introduction: Gyökeres Joins Arsenal, A beginning of a new era
Viktor Gyökeres is perhaps the biggest signing that Arsenal made this transfer window. The Swedish striker has amazed us all with his movement, strength, and goals. Arsenal fans are bewildered. But lots of us still wonder—how will Mikel Arteta use him in the team?
Let’s look at how Gyökeres can be used in Arsenal’s system and what he can provide.
A New Striker of a Different Kind
Arsenal needed a big striker. Gabriel Jesus is decent but not a big striker. Eddie Nketiah has not been good enough. That is where Gyökeres fits in.
Gyokeres is strong physically, fast, and clinical in front of the net. He netted over 40 goals for Sporting CP in one year. He is also very good at holding the ball and helping others play.
Arteta now has a frontman to count on who can press all day and score chances. This gives Arsenal a new option.
Role in the 4-3-3 System
Arsenal tend to play with a 4-3-3 system. The central striker is likely to be Gyökeres. His role will be to stay high, hold the ball, and run behind defense.
With the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli out on the wings, Gyökeres will be given plenty of chances. He just needs to be in the right place at the right time.
He can also make space. By drawing defenders with him, he leaves space for midfielders like Odegaard or Havertz to shoot or play passes.
A Pressing Machine
One of Gyökeres’ main strengths is his work rate. He pestered defenders all day long. Arteta likes his forwards to press aggressively off the ball. That is what Gyökeres does.
He will start the press in front, pinning teams back and causing them to make errors. This enables Arsenal to gain the ball high up the pitch and start rapid attacks.
Better Options from the Bench
The quality players of last season were missing in the bench because whenever Jesus or Nketiah played, there was no perfect quality striker to bring on in the second half.
With Gyökeres now on the side, Arsenal have more depth. He can play the first half, or join the second half and turn the game. His strength and power can shatter exhausted defences.
A Boost for Big Games
Arsenal dropped points in big games last season. They didn’t have a finisher in the box. Gyökeres has the ability to take tight games and turn them into wins.
He will get top defenders nervous in the box. He’s able to score from crosses, long balls, or quick counter-attacks. He gives Arsenal an alternative plan B too—long balls or crosses if short passing doesn’t work.
Possible Weaknesses
Nobody is perfect. Gyökeres still needs to acclimatize to the Premier League. It’s stronger and faster than the Portuguese league.
His interplay must be honed as well. Arteta wants his strikers to move and pass properly. Gyökeres needs to practice his touch and passing in tight spaces.
However, there is so much potential there. With good training, he can develop rapidly.
Gyökeres Brings Missing Firepower to Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres brings Arsenal what they have previously been missing—a proper goal-scorer. He is a complete striker with speed, strength, and goal eyes. Coupled with creative forwards like Saka and Odegaard, Gyökeres will be given numerous opportunities to score. He will directly contribute and assist Arsenal in the battle for honours.
Author’s Opinion: Gyokeres to Arsenal
Arsenal’s acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres is a wise signing. He plugs the gap they’ve had for decades—a true goal-scoring striker. His style adapts to Arteta’s system and adds solidity to the attack.
He does take a bit of time to settle, but if he does, he can steer the title challenge for Arsenal. With Gyökeres, Arsenal are now a cohesive team. If he scores goals consistently and stays fit, he might prove the difference in big games.
The signing is also one of message sent to opposition. Arsenal are serious business. They are building a team not only to compete, but to dominate.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
