Viktor Gyökeres has received mixed reviews since joining Arsenal from Sporting in July.
The Sweden international spent two years with the Lions and starred for them. He scored 97 goals and contributed 28 assists from 102 matches of which 54 goals and 13 assists were from last season.
Gyökeres’ displays for Sporting attracted interest and Arsenal were successful in securing his services.
The striker has failed to replicate his Sporting form so far. He has five goals from 13 matches and hasn’t scored in the Premier League since September 13th.
Fotbollskanalen journalist Tobias Hellgren is of the belief that Mikel Arteta’s system at the north London club isn’t as good as Sporting’s for the 27-year-old.
“You are judged on your production as a forward. That [lack of goals] is something that can start to rub off on you over time,” he said.
“In his defence, Arsenal’s game is not built around Gyökeres in the same way as it was at Sporting. It affects him. There is much more control here…”
Over at Manchester City, Erling Haaland is leading Pep Guardiola’s attack. The 25-year-old Norway international was able to deliver immediately after arriving at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Hellgren suggests this is also a factor that has put pressure on Gyökeres to deliver quickly at Arsenal.
“And it’s Erling Haaland’s fault! He came into the Premier League and delivered record numbers straight away. That’s the expectation these days,” Hellgren explained.
“If you’re bought for a lot of money, you should deliver from minute one. Haaland broke every record in his first season, and he set a standard there. It’s Haaland’s fault!”
Gyökeres has also failed to impress for Sweden during the last two international breaks.
