Which Arsenal Star Can Unlock Viktor Gyokeres, According to Wayne Rooney?

Following his recent transfer to Arsenal, Eberechi Eze is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team's attacking play, particularly in partnership with fellow forward Viktor Gyokeres. Though Eze’s debut ended in a 1-0 loss against Liverpool, Wayne Rooney believes that with time, Eze will play a crucial role in unlocking Gyokeres' potential. The former England international praised Arsenal’s need for more creativity in their attack and highlighted the challenge of establishing a regular starting position in a competitive squad.

Last updated: 27 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Rooney's Insights

Eberechi Eze's impact on Arsenal's attacking strategy is anticipated as he adapts to his new environment.
Wayne Rooney emphasises the need for Arsenal to evolve their play style to better utilize their new signings.
Gyokeres requires effective support from the midfield and wing positions to thrive in the Premier League.
Rooney notes the quality of Liverpool's defence in neutralising threats like Gyokeres during their recent encounter.
Concerns were raised about Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya's positioning during the match-winning free-kick.

Eberechi Eze: A Promising Addition

Eberechi Eze made headlines this summer with his £67.5 million move from Crystal Palace to Arsenal, marking a significant investment by the Gunners. His debut against Liverpool may not have been the dream start he hoped for, but it provided a glimpse of the potential he brings. With a reputation for flair and creativity, Eze is expected to contribute significantly to Arsenal's offensive strategies as he settles into the squad.

The Challenge of Establishing a Starting Position

Adapting to a new team often comes with challenges, particularly when competing for a starting spot. Eze faces stiff competition from Gabriel Martinelli, who has been a standout performer for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, will need to figure out how best to incorporate Eze into the lineup without disrupting the existing chemistry within the squad. As Eze and Martinelli battle for the left-wing position, fans will be keen to see how Arteta balances team dynamics while maximising their attacking prowess.

Wayne Rooney’s Perspective on Arsenal's Play

Wayne Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, shared his views on Arsenal’s current style of play, which he feels is reminiscent of previous seasons. He pointed out that while the team has some talented players capable of causing damage to opponents, there is a pressing need for more fluidity and creativity during open play. Rooney expressed hope that Eze would help inject this much-needed ‘spice’ into Arsenal’s game.

Finding a Way to Utilise Gyokeres

Rooney highlighted the importance of finding an effective strategy to integrate Viktor Gyokeres into the team. The striker's abilities can be fully realised only if the team adapts its style to create opportunities for him. Gyokeres is known for his physicality and finishing skills, but he requires support from the midfield and wing players to thrive. Eze, with his creative flair, could potentially be the key to unlocking Gyokeres’ capabilities in front of goal.

Defensive Challenges Against Liverpool

In their recent match against Liverpool, Arsenal's forwards, including Gyokeres, struggled to make an impact. Rooney commended Liverpool’s defensive duo, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, for their impressive performance in nullifying threats from Arsenal's attack. Rooney noted that Liverpool were aggressive in their approach, particularly in individual battles, which left Gyokeres with little room to operate. This indicates a need for Arsenal to develop more varied attacking options to counteract similar defensive strategies from other teams.

Rooney's Concerns on Goalkeeping Positioning

Another point raised by Rooney was the positioning of Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, during the free-kick that led to Liverpool's winning goal. Raya's movement was questioned, suggesting that he may have been slightly too quick in his footwork, which could have affected his ability to position himself effectively. This incident underscores the importance of goalkeeping in high-stakes matches where a single mistake can determine the outcome.

Adapting to the New Premier League Ball

Following the match, Raya mentioned that the new Puma ball has different characteristics compared to the previous Nike ball, which could influence how players adapt to shooting and handling situations. The change in equipment requires players to adjust their techniques, and Raya's comments indicate that this might have contributed to the difficulty in preventing the spectacular free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Looking Ahead: What Arsenal Needs to Improve

As Arsenal progresses through the season, several key areas require attention. Firstly, Arteta will need to find a balance between maintaining a solid defensive structure while encouraging more creativity in attack. Eze’s integration into the squad should be approached thoughtfully, ensuring that he can contribute effectively alongside Gyokeres and other forwards.

Potential Strategies for Improvement

Enhance Team Chemistry: Allowing Eze and Gyokeres to develop a rapport during training could lead to better on-field synergy.
Exploit Wing Play: Utilising Eze’s ability to create chances from the left wing could open up space for Gyokeres in the box.
Diversify Attacking Tactics: Arsenal should aim to incorporate various attacking patterns to avoid predictability.
Focus on Set-Piece Defence: Strengthening their defensive organisation during set-pieces is crucial to avoid conceding easy goals.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Arsenal

As the season unfolds, Arsenal fans will be keenly observing how Eberechi Eze adapts to his new role and how he can potentially elevate the performance of Viktor Gyokeres. With the right adjustments, Arsenal can harness the talents of their new signings while addressing the challenges that have hampered their progress in recent seasons. The combination of Eze's flair and Gyokeres' finishing abilities could be the key to Arsenal achieving their goals this season.

FAQs

How much did Eberechi Eze transfer to Arsenal for?

Eberechi Eze transferred to Arsenal for £67.5 million from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

Who is Viktor Gyokeres?

Viktor Gyokeres is a forward who plays for Arsenal, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability.

What did Rooney say about Arsenal's attacking style?

Wayne Rooney emphasised the need for Arsenal to evolve their attacking style to utilise their new signings effectively and create more opportunities in open play.

Why did David Raya's positioning come under scrutiny?

Rooney questioned David Raya's positioning during Liverpool's free-kick that led to the match's only goal, suggesting he moved his feet too quickly.

What impact will the new Premier League ball have?

The new Puma ball's different grip and kick may require players to adapt their techniques, which could influence their performance on the field.