Michael Owen has raised fresh doubts about Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, despite the Sweden international delivering arguably his best performance for the club in last night's Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
Gyokeres' Performance Under Scrutiny
The £60million summer signing from Sporting Lisbon played a pivotal role in Arsenal's 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, which secured their place in the final. Although Gyokeres did not score, his physical presence and relentless work rate troubled Atletico's defence throughout the match.
Manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the striker, stating: 'He was immense. You can see the reaction from the crowd every time he had the ball, his work rate and what he's giving the team is just incredible.'
However, former England striker Michael Owen expressed reservations about Gyokeres' long-term suitability for Arsenal. Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen said: 'I'd say OK. He's certainly not been a disappointment but certainly not set the place on fire.'
Owen's Assessment
Owen acknowledged Gyokeres' goal tally of over 20 in all competitions this season, including 14 in the Premier League, but questioned whether he is the world-class centre-forward Arsenal have been seeking. 'The problem is that there's not that many great centre forwards about. Arsenal have been searching and searching and searching,' Owen added.
He compared Gyokeres to other Arsenal forwards, including Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, noting that none of them are on the level of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, or Harry Kane. 'They are doing brilliantly well with a player who doesn't go and score 30-odd goals a season,' Owen concluded.
Despite the doubts, Gyokeres' contribution in the semi-final was crucial, as Bukayo Saka's goal proved the difference. Arsenal now look ahead to the final later this month, with Gyokeres expected to lead the line once again.
