Viktor Gyökeres (foto: Getty Images)
Gary Lineker analysed Viktor Gyökeres’ first months at Arsenal, suggesting the Swedish striker must change his instincts if he is to justify his price tag.
Viktor Gyökeres arrived at Arsenal last summer after a dramatic transfer saga, with the Premier League leaders paying around €70 million to bring the Swedish forward to north London.
After 18 league rounds, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, but Gyökeres’ individual contribution has sparked debate. The 27-year-old has scored five league goals in 15 appearances, adding two goals in four matches in the UEFA Champions League.
Lineker’s tactical concern
Former England captain and renowned striker Gary Lineker believes Gyökeres can — and should — be more decisive in the penalty area.
“I’ve watched Viktor Gyökeres very closely; he waits to see where the ball is going, waits for the pass to be played, and only then attacks the space,” Lineker said. “As a striker, you have to take risks and anticipate where the ball might go, then make the run at exactly the right moment when it’s about to be delivered into the box. Players who score lots of goals do this all the time.”
Lineker’s analysis suggests the issue is not effort or ability, but instinct — the split-second decision-making that separates prolific goalscorers from reliable forwards.
Enough for a title push?
Gyökeres’ numbers are respectable but modest given Arsenal’s investment and their ambitions. Having been a dominant figure at Sporting CP, expectations were high that he would immediately elevate Arsenal’s attack to championship level.
For Mikel Arteta, the hope is that Gyökeres’ understanding of the league — and his teammates — will sharpen in the second half of the season, turning solid performances into decisive moments.
Crucial test against Villa
Gyökeres and Arsenal face a significant challenge next, hosting Aston Villa, who arrive in London on the back of 11 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Three points would guarantee Arsenal top spot at the end of the calendar year and strengthen belief that the club can sustain a title challenge into 2026 — with or without Gyökeres reaching elite scoring levels.