Underwhelming Performances of Arsenal and Liverpool’s Summer Signings

omidbasir- Both Arsenal and Liverpool made significant investments this summer in pursuit of elite strikers, viewing them as pivotal additions to their title aspirations. As the season progresses into its critical second half, however, neither player has truly set the Premier League alight as fans had hoped.

According to pundit Murphy, the disparity between expectations and actual performance has been glaring. While he refrained from categorizing them as complete failures, he implied that the heightened anticipation surrounding their arrivals has intensified the disappointment of their underwhelming contributions. In light of both clubs’ positions at the top of the table, the absence of a prolific impact from their star signings has become a focal point for discussion, with Murphy suggesting that fans have a right to feel let down given the substantial financial investments.

For Arsenal, the acquisition of Gyokeres, valued initially at £64 million (€74m/$86m), was celebrated as the solution to their long-standing number nine dilemma. Following years of uncertainty regarding whether Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz could lead the line effectively, Gyokeres was expected to offer the finishing prowess that Mikel Arteta’s team had lacked.

Yet, Murphy contends that the reality has not lived up to those expectations, with the striker scoring only ten goals—five of which came in the Premier League—over 29 appearances across all competitions. “There is likely disappointment surrounding Gyokeres for Arsenal, considering the high hopes placed on him to be the final piece,” Murphy noted.

He was careful not to dismiss the forward entirely, recognizing that while his performances have not been catastrophic, they have fallen short of what a title-contending team requires. “I wouldn’t call him a disaster—he has performed adequately—but I believe Arsenal fans expected significantly more,” he remarked. The general sentiment at the Emirates appears to be one of muted acceptance rather than the exuberant excitement that marked his signing, as Gyokeres has struggled to assert dominance over defenses as he did in Portugal.

On the other side, Isak’s record £125 million ($169m) transfer to Liverpool has been plagued by injuries. The former Newcastle United player was brought to Anfield to inject fluidity and finishing into the Reds’ attack, but his progress has been hindered by fitness issues and a slow adaptation to life on Merseyside. Prior to his injury, which sidelined him since late December, Isak had scored three goals in 16 games.

Murphy, a former Liverpool player, remarked on the high expectations from the Anfield crowd regarding major signings. “Well, Isak, for obvious reasons. I understand he had a slow start followed by injury, but when you spend that amount of money, Liverpool fans expect immediate results; patience is not a luxury they can afford.”

Ultimately, Murphy characterizes the struggles of both Swedish internationals as instances of unfulfilled potential rather than outright failure. The narrative surrounding them reflects a sense of missed opportunities.

“Between Isak and Gyokeres, with the anticipation surrounding both players and their futures, many Arsenal and Liverpool fans feel somewhat frustrated,” Murphy concluded. He emphasized that while the term “let down” may be too strong, there is certainly a prevailing sense of disappointment regarding their performances thus far.

As the season’s critical phase approaches, both Gyokeres and Isak have the opportunity to change the current narrative. However, as Murphy points out, at clubs with the stature of Arsenal and Liverpool, the window for making a positive first impression is extremely narrow, and both strikers have substantial work ahead to garner the support of their new fanbases.