Arsenal have been cautioned about Viktor Gyokeres' underwhelming goal-scoring record against elite opposition following his £64million move from Sporting CP last month. The Sweden international arrived as the club's long-awaited No. 9 after a prolific season in which he netted 54 goals in 52 appearances, earning a reputation as one of Europe's most clinical forwards.
However, statistics from his time in Portugal cast doubt on his ability to deliver against the Premier League's top sides. In eight Primeira Liga matches against Benfica, Porto, Braga and Santa Clara last season, Gyokeres scored only twice. He collected the league's golden boot with 39 goals, but the bulk came against lower-ranked opponents.
Gary Lineker described the transfer as a 'gamble' on The Rest Is Football podcast, though his initial stats were inaccurate. Micah Richards acknowledged question marks about Gyokeres' consistency but added: 'He's exactly what Arsenal need ... a really clever striker who can run in behind.' Richards noted that while Gyokeres may struggle with hold-up play, his movement offers a threat Arsenal have lacked.
Manager Mikel Arteta has already adapted his tactics, instructing players to get the ball forward quickly to utilise Gyokeres' strengths. Arsenal averaged 2.05 goals per game against bottom-half sides in 2024/25 but only 1.55 against top-half opponents, with a win rate of 33% in those matches. The Gunners will hope Gyokeres' Champions League form—including a hat-trick against Manchester City—translates to domestic big games.
