Former PL striker has hit out at the bold verdict on Viktor Gyokeres after just 60 minutes on the pitch for Arsenal.
Former PL striker hits out at bold verdict on Gyokeres after just 60 minutes at Arsenal originally appeared on The Sporting News
Viktor Gyokeres made his debut for Arsenal in their opening Premier League match against Manchester United on August 17 at Old Trafford. The clash ended in a 1-0 win for the Gunners.
Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates from Sporting CP this summer by signing a five-year contract worth €63.5million (£54.8m, $74.2m) fixed upfront fee, along with €10m (£8.6m, $11.7m) in add-ons.
The 27-year-old’s move to Arsenal was a transfer saga that lasted for about a month, and he arrived at the Gunners with big expectations, given his numbers at Sporting last season. He registered 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for the Portuguese club in the previous campaign.
However, Gyokeres’ debut match ended with a sole goal from Riccardo Calafiori’s header in the 13th minute, followed by the Swedish star’s being subbed off by Kai Havertz in the 60th minute.
During his time on the pitch, Gyokeres made 22 touches while having no shots on or off target and being involved in no key passes. His lack of impact and contributions in his first match for the Gunners led to a surge of criticism stemming from the expectations.
Amid such harsh criticism after only an hour on the pitch, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has backed Gyokeres, dismissing the ‘instant judgement’ faced by the player.
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What did Chris Sutton say about the criticism of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres?
While speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton mentioned that players at a new club ‘take time to settle in’ and said,
"It's just typical isn't in that there is instant judgement and people are making their minds up on him after an hour. When players move to a new club, some fit in better than others, but it takes them all a time to settle in.”
The former English star also pointed out the lack of opportunities Gyokeres had in the game and added,
"In the final third, it is about combinations and understanding of others so you know how they will link up with others Gyokeres didn't get any service on Sunday. Bukayo Saka had a pretty poor game and Gabriel Martinelli didn't really look for him, so it is going to take time.”
"No matter which way you want to look at the Portuguese league, his numbers were phenomenal and his finishing in the Champions League showed he is a pretty good striker. As a striker you need to get the opportunities so that understanding of one another should come the longer they train together and as the season goes on."
While he may not have had a dream debut last weekend, Gyokeres will be hoping to pull off a better display in Arsenal’s next Premier League game against Leeds United on August 23 at the Emirates Stadium.
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