Who Will Be Arsenal's New Penalty Taker This Season?

Arsenal's Fantasy Premier League managers may need to reassess their strategies this season, particularly concerning penalty takers. With Bukayo Saka, who has confidently held the responsibility for over three years, hinting at a shift, new signing Viktor Gyokeres is emerging as a potential first-choice penalty taker. Arteta's comments have certainly stirred interest, and many are keen to see how this will affect Saka's standing.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's primary penalty taker but may see competition from Viktor Gyokeres.
• Gyokeres converted 19 penalties last season, showcasing his capability from the spot.
• Arteta has publicly stated Gyokeres is seen as the best penalty taker in the squad.
• Saka missed a crucial penalty last season but has a strong overall record.
• Gyokeres’ recent debut raised questions about his adaptation to the Premier League.

Bukayo Saka: A Reliable Penalty Taker

Bukayo Saka took on penalty responsibilities for Arsenal three years ago and has since cemented his status as a reliable spot-kick taker. His statistics are impressive, having only missed two of the 14 penalties he has taken in club football, excluding shootouts. His most notable miss was a Panenka attempt against Real Madrid last season, which, fortunately for Arsenal, did not affect their progress in the Champions League.

Despite this setback, Saka’s overall record remains strong. He is known for his composure under pressure, which has made him a crucial player for Arsenal. However, with new signings and tactical changes, his role as the primary penalty taker may be challenged.

Viktor Gyokeres: The New Contender

Viktor Gyokeres has made headlines since joining Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon, especially with Arteta naming him as the best penalty taker in the squad without hesitation. Last season, Gyokeres demonstrated his prowess by converting an impressive 19 penalties, indicating his potential to take over the role from Saka.

His first competitive match for Arsenal against Manchester United did not go as planned. Gyokeres struggled to make an impact, failing to register a shot on goal and only touching the ball four times in the penalty area. Despite this, Wayne Rooney offered insights on Gyokeres’ performance, suggesting he showed promise but was hindered by a lack of support from teammates.

Arteta's Confidence in Gyokeres

Manager Mikel Arteta's confidence in Gyokeres could signal a shift in tactical approach. His statement about Gyokeres being the best penalty taker reflects not only trust in the player's abilities but also a potential strategy that could enhance Arsenal's chances in tight matches where penalties might be decisive.

Arteta's comments echo the growing belief that Gyokeres can adapt to the pressures of the Premier League. With Arsenal having invested considerably in him, the spotlight is on Gyokeres to prove he can thrive under the expectations of playing for a top club.

What This Means for Fantasy Premier League Managers

The ongoing developments around Arsenal's penalty taking duties are crucial for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. Saka's potential reduction in penalty responsibilities could affect his value as a fantasy asset. Similarly, Gyokeres’ introduction as a penalty taker could present an opportunity for FPL managers to capitalise on a lower ownership rate while benefiting from potential points from penalties.

To make informed decisions, FPL managers should monitor the upcoming matches closely, especially to see whether Gyokeres will indeed take over penalty duties. The implications of this change could be significant, especially if Gyokeres continues to demonstrate his capability in front of goal.

The Pressure of Playing for Arsenal

The transition to the Premier League can be challenging for players, and Gyokeres is no exception. His debut against Manchester United raised questions about his ability to cope with the pressures of being a striker for a club like Arsenal. Wayne Rooney’s analysis highlighted the need for a striker to adapt quickly, as the demands of the Premier League are vastly different from other leagues.

Arsenal fans and FPL managers alike will be keen to see how Gyokeres responds in his upcoming matches. Will he find his footing and deliver the performances expected of him? The answer to this question could shape both Arsenal's season and the Fantasy Premier League landscape.

Conclusion

As Arsenal navigates through the season, the developments surrounding penalty takers will be a focal point for both fans and Fantasy Premier League managers. With Saka's established record and Gyokeres' potential, there lies an intriguing battle for the spot-kick responsibilities. The outcome will undoubtedly influence Arsenal's performance and the FPL landscape.

Will Gyokeres rise to the occasion, or will Saka maintain his role as Arsenal's go-to penalty taker? Only time will tell as the season unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing situation. #ArsenalFC #FantasyPremierLeague #ViktorGyokeres

FAQs

Who has been Arsenal's penalty taker since 2020?

Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's primary penalty taker since he assumed the role just over three years ago.

How many penalties did Viktor Gyokeres convert last season?

Viktor Gyokeres converted an impressive 19 penalties last season, showcasing his capabilities from the spot.

What did Arteta say about Gyokeres' penalty-taking ability?

Mikel Arteta stated that Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in Arsenal's squad, indicating his confidence in the new signing.

How did Gyokeres perform in his first match for Arsenal?

Gyokeres struggled in his debut against Manchester United, failing to register a shot on goal and only touching the ball four times in the opposition's penalty area.

What impact could the penalty-taking situation have on Fantasy Premier League managers?

Changes in penalty takers can significantly impact player value in Fantasy Premier League, making it essential for managers to stay informed about who will be taking penalties for Arsenal.