Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed a lack of on-field "understanding" between Arsenal's record signing Viktor Gyokeres and star winger Bukayo Saka as a key reason for the striker's recent goal drought.
Ferdinand's detailed analysis of Gyokeres' struggles
The former Manchester United and England defender, who voiced doubts about the transfer before it was completed, expanded on his concerns following Arsenal's narrow victory over Wolves. Ferdinand highlighted specific tactical issues he believes are hindering the Swedish international.
"There are two or three things I look at with Gyokeres that he needs to understand," Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel. "His movement... I'm watching him when the ball is wide."
Ferdinand explained that the striker's positioning should vary depending on which teammate is in possession, particularly differentiating between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. "I just don't think there's that telepathy yet," he added, emphasising the need for better communication and training ground work to build that crucial partnership.
The physical challenge of the Premier League
A significant part of Ferdinand's critique focused on the heightened physical demands Gyokeres now faces. The pundit noted that the attributes which made the forward so dominant in Portugal are being neutralised in England.
"One of the big things that I saw, as a defender, he's allowing defenders to get their hands on him," Ferdinand observed. "In Portugal, he was stronger and quicker than almost every centre-half... He ain't doing that in the Premier League."
Ferdinand argued that Premier League defenders are matching Gyokeres for strength, and his tendency to engage in physical battles is limiting his effectiveness. He advised the striker to make more subtle, unpredictable movements to escape tight marking.
Arteta's defence and the road ahead
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly defended his £64 million summer signing from Sporting CP, urging critics to show patience. Before the Wolves match, Arteta reminded everyone that Gyokeres is adapting to "the most demanding league in the world" after a prolific spell in Portugal where he scored 54 goals in one season.
The Spaniard revealed he had prepared the striker for a potential dry patch, asking him: "'How are you going to react if you don't score in five or six games? Can you cope with that?'" Arteta stressed that the sample size is still small and expressed confidence that Gyokeres' fortunes will change.
Gyokeres' task has been complicated by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four games in November and the impressive return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus, which has increased competition for the starting striker role. With just one goal in his last ten Premier League appearances after scoring three in his first four, the pressure is mounting for the Swede to justify his substantial fee and rediscover his scoring touch.
