Michael Owen Expresses Doubts Over Arsenal Striker Viktor Gyokeres' Future
Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has voiced fresh skepticism regarding Viktor Gyokeres, questioning whether the Arsenal forward is the right long-term solution for the club's attack. Gyokeres, a summer signing from Sporting Lisbon, initially struggled to adapt to English football and Mikel Arteta's tactical demands, but recent performances, including a superb brace in Arsenal's 4-1 demolition of Tottenham in the North London Derby, suggest he may be turning a corner.
Owen Highlights Gyokeres' Strengths and Weaknesses
In an interview with Premier League Productions, Owen acknowledged Gyokeres' qualities, stating, 'I like this lad in so many aspects but I think he’s got so many weaknesses as well.' He praised the Swedish international's work rate, running ability, timing, and finishing, noting that Gyokeres is one of the Premier League's top scorers in the current calendar year. However, Owen emphasized that these attributes might not suffice for a long-term role at Arsenal, urging caution against overreacting to a single game.
Pundits Weigh In on Gyokeres' Importance Amid Title Race
With Manchester City closing in on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, pundits like Ashley Young stress the critical need for Gyokeres to maintain his scoring form. Young commented, 'You’re going into the most vital part of the season now. When you’ve got City breathing down your necks you need your striker to be scoring goals.' Gyokeres' recent contributions have been pivotal, helping Arsenal secure a five-point lead at the top after the derby win, which he described as the 'perfect response' to critics following a disappointing 2-2 draw at Wolves.
Gyokeres Reflects on Arsenal's Response and Future Challenges
Gyokeres emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, 'To get this result and this performance, it was the perfect way to respond. So, it’s a good sign. The thing is, that we have to keep showing it in the next game and the game after that.' As Arsenal navigates the final stretch of the season, his ability to sustain this form will be crucial in silencing doubters and securing the club's title ambitions.
