Arteta has a “Bergkamp kind of player” who can end Gyokeres’ Arsenal career
A year ago, Arsenal’s search for a new striker intensified due to injuries affecting Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Fast forward one year, and both forwards are back in the lineup for the Gunners, yet they arguably still require a striker. Jesus scored his first goal following a severe ACL injury on Tuesday evening, netting the fourth in their victory over Aston Villa, but Viktor Gyokeres remains in a slump.
He did find the net from the penalty spot in the 1-0 win over Everton just before Christmas, but he hasn’t scored a non-penalty goal since November 1, when he scored with a header against Burnley. It’s fair to say that his form is becoming increasingly worrisome.
How Gyokeres fared against Aston Villa
On paper, this match seemed favorable for Gyokeres. Throughout much of his Arsenal tenure, the Swede has contended with defenses that sit deep. This situation doesn’t suit his free-flowing and rapid playing style, which requires space to exploit. However, Villa, known for pressing high and attacking their opponents, appeared to present an ideal opportunity.
Gyokeres managed to take three shots, including a header that went wide in the first half, but he still faded into the background of the match. He recorded only 16 touches against the Villans, completing just three accurate passes and winning one of his seven duels. Although his shot generation was an improvement from his recent outings, he once again left the field without finding the back of the net.
| Gyokeres vs Aston Villa | |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 77 |
| Touches | 16 |
| Accurate passes | 3/6 (60%) |
| Shots | 3 |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Possession lost | 6x |
| Key passes | 0 |
| Ground duels won | 1/6 |
| Aerial duels won | 0/1 |
Statistics via Sofascore.
The reality is that Arsenal invested significantly to bring Gyokeres on board to score goals. He has not been consistently achieving that goal. When the former Coventry City player joined, there was hope that he would be the key to Arsenal’s title aspirations. He may still fulfill that promise, but the early indicators are alarming. Jesus, who had been on the pitch only moments, scored immediately upon returning to play.
At this point, he clearly appears to be the more viable option, and it won’t be long before Havertz surpasses Gyokeres in the pecking order.
Why Kai Havertz is still the main man
Isn’t it amusing how rapidly circumstances can shift in football? As 2024 commenced, discussions were rampant regarding Havertz. Like Gyokeres, he was often labeled a failure. Why did the Gunners spend £65m to acquire him from Chelsea? However, as 2024 unfolded, the situation soon clarified. Initially brought in as a central midfielder, it was as a centre-forward that he endeared himself to the supporters at the Emirates Stadium. His journey with Arsenal bears a resemblance to that of Mikel Merino.
As a striker, the tall German has excelled. In the 2023/24 season, he scored only six goals in 33 matches as a midfielder, but when placed up front, he netted eight and provided eight assists in just 18 games. Nine of his 14 goals in that campaign came from February onward. Based on this evidence, there remains hope for Gyokeres. However, with Havertz, Arsenal possesses a player who not just fits the system but also significantly enhances the team’s performance. As we enter a hectic portion of the season, his timely return from injury is a major boost.
This squad has typically relied on a striker who makes runs in behind the defense, and while they need to better adapt to Gyokeres’ style, it says a lot that some of Arsenal’s strongest displays this season have occurred with a Havertz-like player, Merino, acting as the focal point. The Spaniard was chosen as the number 9 during thrilling victories against Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in quick succession.
Even though the Germany international isn’t yet ready to start, his presence on the bench against Villa on Tuesday evening was a welcome sight. His skill set will be crucial for Arteta and his team as they navigate the latter stages of the season.
A summary from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who had coached him at Chelsea, offers valuable insight. “I see a bit of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, (Dimitar) Berbatov kind of player. He can play in the half position because he has good runs, but also feels free from the nine and creates overload to one side. When I watched him at Leverkusen, I didn’t know that I would coach him, when I watched him at Paris (Saint-Germain), they made him play as a nine which was very interesting.” He isn’t the only one making such comparisons. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson once remarked that he was a “Bergkamp kind of player.”
While he may not have the same technical flair as the legendary Dutchman, it’s clear why both Tuchel and Merson have drawn parallels. Much like Bergkamp, he embodies a selfless nature, capable of both scoring and facilitating others. Although it will take time for Havertz to regain full form, if he can do so quickly, it may spell the end of Gyokeres’ time at Arsenal.
Published: 2026-01-02 06:15:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
