Arsenal fans had their first look at Viktor Gyokeres in action this weekend, but the Swedish striker’s £63 million move from Sporting CP has already stirred a lively debate among pundits.
While the Gunners secured a 1-0 win at Old Trafford, Gyokeres’ performance raised questions about whether he can immediately adapt to the Premier League’s pace and intensity.
Rio Ferdinand Urges Fans to Stay Grounded
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was quick to temper expectations for Gyokeres, telling viewers on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents to “calm down.”
The 46-year-old explained that he’s watched the striker live a couple of times and doesn’t feel the hype around the price tag is fully justified yet.
“Calm down. I watched him play for Arsenal against Manchester United on Sunday,” Ferdinand said.
“I haven’t seen enough to warrant his price tag, even considering he played against a disjointed Man United side.”
First Impressions at Arsenal
Gyokeres made his Premier League debut spearheading Arsenal’s revamped attack but didn’t manage a single shot before being substituted midway through the second half.
While Arteta’s side held on for the win, it highlighted that the new front line still has some early-season teething problems.
This match also marked Gyokeres’ return to English football, following previous spells with Brighton and Coventry, leaving fans eager to see whether he can replicate his prolific scoring form from Sporting CP, where he netted 54 goals in 52 games last season.
Carragher Sees Goals but Questions Big Game Role
Fellow pundit and former England teammate Jamie Carragher also weighed in, praising Gyokeres’ goal-scoring potential but suggesting Arteta might rotate him out of the starting line-up for Arsenal’s biggest fixtures.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said:
“If I’m being honest, I think they’ll go back to Havertz in the biggest games.
I can see Gyokeres playing and scoring goals, but Arteta might look elsewhere when the stakes are highest.”
Neville Thinks Pairing Could Work
Gary Neville appeared surprised by Carragher’s suggestion, arguing that Gyokeres shouldn’t be sidelined for key matches.
He added that combining Havertz and Gyokeres in the same attack might give Arsenal the centre-forward threat they’ve been missing.
“Arsenal needed a centre forward and brought one in,” Neville said. “I saw glimpses that made me think he’ll be a handful.
Martinelli looks like he’s struggling, so getting Gyokeres and Havertz together might be something Arteta has to try.”
Early Signs Are Mixed
The discussion between Ferdinand, Carragher, and Neville underscores the uncertainty surrounding Gyokeres’ transition back to English football.
While the talent is clear, Arsenal fans will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see if he can justify his record transfer fee and become a consistent force in Arteta’s side.
