Arsenal's failure to capitalise on a crucial Premier League opportunity against Liverpool has prompted fierce criticism from club legend Ian Wright, who has directly questioned the impact of big-money summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
A Missed Title Race Opportunity
Mikel Arteta's side were held to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, a result that felt like two points dropped. The Gunners had the chance to move eight points clear at the summit after Manchester City's latest slip-up, but produced a nervous performance. Despite Liverpool manager Arne Slot conceding his defending champions were out of the title race before kick-off, his team were narrowly the better side in North London.
Arsenal struggled to create clear chances, a fact epitomised by the anonymous display of striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish international, signed for £64 million from Sporting CP last summer, managed a mere eight touches before being substituted after an hour. He has now scored just five goals in 18 league games and is without a goal from open play since November 1.
Wright's Frustration with Gyokeres
Analysing the game for Premier League Productions, Wright did not hold back in his assessment. He expressed frustration that a striker costing such a significant fee was not on hand to convert the chances Arsenal created in a dominant first-half spell.
"Look at the balls that went across goal," Wright said. "When you’re paying that kind of money, they have to be there. That’s what makes the difference in games like this because we created enough in the first half to get something but we didn’t have someone to take the chance."
Wright also suggested Arteta's substitutions came too late, praising the "pace" and "buzz" that Gabriel Jesus provided after coming off the bench. He believed introducing Jesus and Noni Madueke earlier could have changed the game's momentum.
Title Race Nerves and Looking Ahead
While the draw extended Arsenal's lead at the top to six points, the performance highlighted lingering concerns. Fellow pundit Michael Owen noted that the current Arsenal side are not as "expansive" as the recent title-winning teams from Manchester City and Liverpool, a point Wright acknowledged was linked to their striker's form.
"In those moments when the game’s tight, you’re not going to get many chances, that’s what we thought we bought and that’s what you need," Wright added, referencing Gyokeres.
The Gunners, who have not won the Premier League since 2004, must now regroup as they switch focus to the FA Cup this weekend, facing Portsmouth. The pressure to find a ruthless edge in front of goal, particularly from their record signing, will only intensify as the title race enters its decisive phase.
