Gyokeres started but failed to make an impact in Arsenal's 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 17/8/2025. The Swedish striker had 22 touches, completed 4 passes, but lost possession 11 times and registered no shots or successful dribbles. He was substituted in the 60th minute for Kai Havertz and received a 6 rating from Sofascore, the lowest among Arsenal players.

Gyokeres crosses the ball during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, in the first round of the Premier League on 17/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres crosses the ball during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, in the first round of the Premier League on 17/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

"Let's be calm. I've watched him play live twice, including the Man Utd game," Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents on 18/8. "I haven't seen enough to justify that price tag. I'm 100% unconvinced."

Gyokeres previously played in England, scoring 43 goals for Coventry over two and a half seasons in the Championship. His career took off after joining Sporting Lisbon in 2023, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances over two seasons. This summer, Arsenal signed him from Sporting for a total of 86 million USD, hoping he would solve their attacking woes.

Ferdinand believes Gyokeres's style of play may not suit Arsenal. "We need to determine his best position to maximize his qualities," the former England defender commented. "Against Man Utd, he showed his ability to move wide, make runs, and compete physically. But the key is, in the box, when Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka deliver the ball from the byline, can he find space and finish? That's how he'll prove his worth."

However, Ferdinand acknowledged that Gyokeres needs time to adapt. "You can't judge someone after just one game. He needs to regain his fitness and integrate into the team," he stated.

Viktor Gyokeres makes way for Kai Havertz during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at Emirates Stadium, London, UK, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres makes way for Kai Havertz during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at Emirates Stadium, London, UK, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Gyokeres will still score goals for Arsenal this season but predicts manager Mikel Arteta might prefer Kai Havertz in big games.

This surprised Gary Neville, who responded, "He can't leave Gyokeres out of big games." Carragher retorted, "Absolutely, he can. Havertz is too important to be dropped."

Neville suggested Arteta could play both. "Arsenal needs a striker. I saw glimpses of how troublesome Gyokeres can be for defenses. Martinelli seems to be struggling, so pairing Gyokeres and Havertz might be a good option," the former Man Utd defender analyzed.

After the Man Utd victory, Arteta defended his player, saying Gyokeres performed well in the high press and linked up effectively with the team. "In terms of finishing, he didn't have many opportunities because the decisive passes weren't made to put him in space. But overall, debuting for Arsenal with a win at Old Trafford is a positive start," the Spanish manager emphasized.

Gyokeres will have another chance to score his first Premier League goal when Arsenal hosts Leeds in the second round on 23/8.

Hong Duy (Daily Mail, Sky Sports)