A dramatic late goal from Kai Havertz secured Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup final, overcoming a resilient Chelsea side in a tense encounter. The victory sets the stage for a potentially epic showdown against either Manchester City or Newcastle United.
However, amidst the celebrations, a shadow of doubt hangs over the performance of Arsenal’s star summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres. Analysts are questioning whether the expensive forward is truly delivering on his promise, and if he’s even a guaranteed starter in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The debate centers around Gyokeres’ contribution beyond simply being on the pitch. While possessing undeniable talent, he’s struggling to offer the same all-around impact as his fellow forwards, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who consistently contribute to the attack in multiple ways.
Former Arsenal Player of the Season, Robson, bluntly stated that Gyokeres’ recent performances have been “only okay,” and that he may now find himself lower in the pecking order. The critical assessment comes after a particularly quiet game against Chelsea, where his involvement was minimal.
Adding fuel to the fire, a revealing heat map from the match showed a shockingly low number of touches for Gyokeres – just ten in 69 minutes, with only one completed pass. One analyst described the heat map as “embarrassing,” highlighting a lack of movement and a failure to offer a consistent outlet for his teammates.
The contrast with Chelsea’s Joao Pedro was stark. Pedro demonstrably contributed more to the attacking play, holding up the ball and bringing others into the game – qualities currently lacking in Gyokeres’ repertoire. This has led to speculation that Havertz might even be considered for a return to the central forward role.
The pressure is mounting on Gyokeres to prove his worth. With Arsenal firmly in the hunt for their first league title in two decades, currently holding a six-point lead, every player must be firing on all cylinders.
The prevailing sentiment suggests that if Jesus is fit, he will likely lead the line against Sunderland this weekend. His recent form and confidence, coupled with his proven ability to impact the game in multiple facets, make him the more reliable option at this crucial stage of the season.
Arsenal’s path to Wembley is paved with victory, but the question remains: can Gyokeres rediscover his form and justify his price tag, or will he be relegated to a supporting role as the Gunners chase glory on two fronts?
