When a new striker arrives at a Premier League giant for a hefty fee, the spotlight is immediate and unforgiving. Viktor Gyökeres discovered this reality on his Arsenal debut at Old Trafford, where he endured a quiet afternoon against Manchester United. But Mikel Arteta has moved quickly to calm the noise, reminding fans and pundits alike that the Swedish forward deserves patience — and, more importantly, that his success depends on the entire squad and coaching staff working together.
The £64 million signing from Sporting Lisbon has only had a fortnight to integrate after protracted negotiations delayed his pre-season. Arteta insists that context matters and that it is unrealistic to expect instant fireworks from a player still finding his rhythm in a new league.
Gyökeres lit up Portuguese football with his relentless pressing and clinical finishing, but the Premier League is a different stage entirely. The pace, intensity, and physical battles present challenges that even seasoned strikers sometimes need months to handle. Experts have already pointed out that Gyökeres’ movement and hold-up play will have to be fine-tuned to thrive against English defences that rarely allow a moment’s rest.
Arteta, however, is adamant that the striker has shown encouraging signs in training. The Spaniard highlighted Gyökeres’ eagerness to learn and willingness to adapt, stressing that a few weeks of proper preparation will make a noticeable difference. He reminded supporters that one game is not a fair measure of a striker’s potential — particularly when the match in question was against United away, a fixture that tests even the most established forwards.
The Arsenal boss also made it clear that Gyökeres cannot carry the burden alone. Service from midfield and cohesion with wingers like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be crucial in unlocking his best attributes. Without that collective support, no striker can consistently deliver goals, no matter their transfer fee.
The timing of Gyökeres’ integration comes with added pressure after Kai Havertz’s injury left Arsenal short on attacking options. The original plan had been to rotate between the two, easing the Swede into life in England. Instead, the responsibility to lead the line falls on Gyökeres sooner than expected.
Arteta’s message is simple: the dressing room must step up. For him, goals are not just the striker’s job; they are the result of structure, chemistry, and trust across the pitch. He framed the challenge as a collective one, urging teammates to learn Gyökeres’ runs, feed him in dangerous areas, and adjust their rhythm to bring out his finishing instincts.
