Viktor Gyokeres has been issued a stern warning to rediscover his goalscoring touch quickly or risk losing his place in Arsenal's starting XI. The Swedish striker failed to make an impact in the goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates, drawing criticism from former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: 'Gyokeres needs to find something from somewhere. He needs to find it fast. Jesus comes on the pitch second half, and he lights it up a little bit.' The draw saw Arsenal miss the chance to capitalise on Manchester City's slip against Brighton, leaving their attacking potency under scrutiny.
Gyokeres, a big-money summer signing from Sporting CP, has managed just one goal in his previous nine Premier League outings. Richards rejected suggestions Arsenal played too defensively, instead pointing to a lack of sharpness in attack. 'The runs weren't right. There was a really good ball in the first half when you're thinking 'where is Gyokeres in the box?'' he added.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Arsenal could not find the decisive pass. Richards acknowledged Liverpool's defensive organisation, singling out Virgil van Dijk and Conor Bradley for praise. He concluded that while a draw against Liverpool is not disastrous, the Gunners will be frustrated not to have secured all three points against a depleted side missing key attackers.
