Former Defender Advocates Patience for Gyokeres Amid Struggles

omidbasir- Kieran Gibbs, a former defender for Arsenal, has called on fans and analysts to exercise patience with Viktor Gyokeres, despite the forward’s concerning decline in performance. The Sweden international joined the club from Sporting CP this summer, arriving with a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. However, his adaptation to the Premier League has proven more challenging than anticipated.

Gyokeres’ difficulties were particularly evident during Arsenal’s recent match against Manchester United, where he was named as a substitute. While he has shown glimpses of his talent by scoring in cup competitions against Chelsea and Inter Milan, his league performance has been troubling, with no goals from open play since September. This prolonged drought has led to speculation regarding his fit within Mikel Arteta’s tactical framework, as he has netted only nine times in 28 appearances across all competitions.

Gibbs, who achieved success with two FA Cups during his tenure at Arsenal, believes that labeling Gyokeres as a ‘bust’ is premature. In an interview with ESPN FC, he contended that a mere six months is insufficient to assess a player’s adaptation to a new league and a complex tactical system.

“You can’t classify him as a bust after six months; he deserves more time,” Gibbs argued. “He is a natural goalscorer, and that talent is apparent. However, the effectiveness of a striker is influenced by various team dynamics.”

Gibbs pointed out that the primary challenge lies not in Gyokeres’ capabilities, but in the ingrained tactical habits of his teammates. For years, Arsenal has functioned without a traditional center-forward, instead opting for false nines or fluid attacking formations. The introduction of a physical striker has disrupted the team’s established rhythm, necessitating a period of adjustment that is still in progress.

“If we look back over the last decade, Arsenal fans have longed for a center forward,” Gibbs explained. “Gyokeres fits the profile of the player they have desperately sought for years.”

He emphasized that the squad is still acclimatizing to playing with a striker of Gyokeres’ caliber. “Most of the team has been conditioned to operate without a traditional center forward, so there is an adjustment phase that Gyokeres is currently navigating,” he added. “I have faith in him; it simply requires more time, and it’s also about the players around him adapting to his style.”

While Gibbs remains optimistic about Gyokeres’ future, he acknowledges that the striker may not be a guaranteed starter for the remainder of the season. As the title race intensifies, Arteta is likely to revert to strategies that have previously provided stability, which could see Kai Havertz regain prominence due to his versatility and familiarity with the system.

“Ideally, Arteta would prefer to have Havertz back in the lineup if he is fit,” Gibbs admitted, recognizing that while Gyokeres represents the future, he may not be the immediate answer for critical matches this season.

Furthermore, Gibbs noted that singling out Gyokeres overlooks a broader issue affecting Arsenal’s attack. The team has been experiencing a goal drought, with significant contributors like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke also underperforming.

“Overall, there has been a lack of goals across the board,” Gibbs remarked. “We are accustomed to seeing high goal numbers from Martinelli, Saka, and Madueke, so this trend cannot be attributed solely to Gyokeres.”

Ultimately, Gibbs believes the root of the issue is psychological. From his perspective, the team appears to be burdened by expectations rather than thriving under them.

“It seems to me that the problem is mental,” he concluded. “From an outsider’s view, it looks like they have lost their enjoyment and are merely eager to fulfill their obligations.”