Why Viktor Gyokeres is still essential for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal despite bench mystery
By Luke Oluoch, September 4, 2026Speculation has been rife over Viktor Gyokeres’ future role at Arsenal following his slow start to the campaign and a beginning on the bench.
The striker has not featured in either of Arsenal’s opening two Premier League matches, despite being the only traditional, out-and-out striker at the club after the Gunners failed to seal any attacking signings on transfer deadline day.
Pushed to periphery
Mikel Arteta’s clear preference for Kai Havertz, who is proving to be Arsenal’s reliable man for big games and having reinstated himself as Arteta’s preferred striker, and Mikel Merino in attacking roles seems to have pushed the Swedish international to the periphery.
Despite his perceived shortcomings, Gyökeres’ goal-scoring prowess remains undisputed. In his debut campaign, the Swede netted over 20 goals across all competitions, playing a star role as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to claim the Premier League crown.
Known for his trademark mask celebration, Gyökeres now faces limited minutes—though it remains early in the season. Pundits continue to question his long-term prospects under Arteta, who strongly favours Havertz operating as a false nine in the centre-forward position.
It remains to be seen whether Gyökeres will earn a starting berth in Sunday’s London derby against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium to jumpstart his season.
Nevertheless, here is why the Swedish striker remains a vital asset for Arsenal despite his current bench role:
Clinical presence and proven finishing
Gyökeres’ “fox-in-the-box” instincts and razor-sharp finishing were the driving factors behind Arsenal’s decision to pursue him through a long transfer saga last summer, eventually luring the coveted striker from Sporting CP to North London.
His instinctive league goal against Leeds United during his debut season was a clear testament to that unique threat.
Arsenal’s unresolved striker search
The Gunners’ transfer window ended on a frustrating note after they failed to land their primary attacking target, Julián Álvarez.
While reports suggested Arteta was open to swapping the Swedish marksman for Álvarez, the failure to complete the deal underlines Gyökeres’ lingering importance to the squad’s overall depth.
Squad depth and fixture congestion
Gyökeres is guaranteed opportunities as Arsenal navigate a thin front line. The Gunners sanctioned four offensive departures while bringing in only two new attack-minded players.
With only Havertz and Merino, a midfielder repurposed as a makeshift number nine, available up front, Gyökeres will inevitably be called upon during domestic cup runs and the expanded UEFA Champions League schedule.
Furthermore, given Havertz’s past injury history, Arsenal cannot rely on just one focal point. Although the German currently holds Arteta’s trust for high-profile fixtures, the long season ahead guarantees Gyökeres will have a major part to play.
The Gunners will face the Blues on Sunday, September 6, 2026.