Does Arsenal's New Signing Fit Mikel Arteta's Style? Insights from Emmanuel Petit

Emmanuel Petit has suggested that Arsenal may need to revert to a fast-paced, counter-attacking style to maximise the impact of their new signing, Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker joined Arsenal for up to £64 million, following a successful stint at Sporting, but his early days in the Premier League have faced scrutiny. After a challenging debut against Manchester United, Gyokeres found his rhythm, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Leeds. Petit believes that while Gyokeres brings unique qualities, Arsenal's tactical approach must adapt to fully utilise his strengths.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal for £64 million from Sporting.
• He scored a brace in a recent match against Leeds, indicating potential for success.
• Emmanuel Petit argues for a tactical shift to a counter-attacking style to suit Gyokeres.
• Pettit highlights Arsenal's need for greater squad depth to sustain a title challenge.
• Gyokeres expressed confidence in adapting to the Premier League despite early challenges.

Viktor Gyokeres: A Promising Addition

Viktor Gyokeres, a name that has quickly become synonymous with Arsenal's ambitions this season, made headlines when he signed from Sporting for a hefty fee of up to £64 million. This transfer, reflecting Arsenal's intent to strengthen their squad, comes after Gyokeres showcased his prowess in Portugal, helping to secure a domestic double for Sporting last season.

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Gyokeres faced a challenging start in the Premier League. His debut match against Manchester United ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, and his performance was scrutinised heavily. However, he silenced critics with an impressive display against Leeds, scoring two goals and displaying the form that earned him his big-money move.

Adapting to the Premier League

After the match against Leeds, Gyokeres expressed confidence in his ability to find the net, stating, "There is always pressure, but I know I will take my chances sooner or later." His comments highlight the importance of adapting to the new league and team dynamics. Gyokeres noted the short pre-season and limited training time, which contributed to his slow start but emphasised the need for getting into rhythm with his teammates.

Gyokeres explained his first goal, stating, "I think I'm comfortable when the ball is coming in behind, especially on the left, and then cutting inside." This statement underscores his style of play, which relies heavily on exploiting space behind defences—a tactic that may require a tactical shift from Arsenal's current possession-based approach.

Emmanuel Petit’s Insights

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Gyokeres alone is not the solution to Arsenal's title aspirations. Petit believes that manager Mikel Arteta must reassess the team's playing style to optimise Gyokeres' effectiveness. He stated, "Gyokeres prefers to run into space behind defenders, while Arsenal tend to rely on possession." This insight indicates a potential mismatch between the player's strengths and the team's current tactical framework.

Pettit's comments reflect a broader concern about how Arsenal's tactics have evolved over the years. He suggested a return to the fast-paced, counter-attacking football that characterised their success in previous seasons. "Too often, wingers drop deep, leaving the pitch empty, making it difficult for Gyokeres to find space," he noted, highlighting the need for tactical balance.

The Importance of Squad Depth

Beyond tactics, Petit raised concerns over Arsenal's squad depth. Despite seven new signings in the summer transfer window, he believes the team still lacks the necessary strength in depth to sustain a title challenge. He remarked, "A lack of rotation has been their biggest problem in recent years, especially when injuries mount in the second half of the season." This observation is critical, as fatigue and injuries often hinder teams during the grueling winter months.

Petit’s perspective suggests that while Arsenal has made significant improvements to their squad, they must continue to develop and strengthen their line-up to compete effectively against the Premier League's elite. His insights underscore the importance of not only having quality players but also ensuring there are sufficient options to rotate and manage player workloads throughout the season.

What’s Next for Arsenal and Gyokeres?

As Arsenal prepares to face defending champions Liverpool, the pressure will be on Gyokeres to replicate his strong performance against Leeds. This upcoming match will be a critical test of both his abilities and Arsenal's tactical flexibility. The Gunners need to find a way to blend Gyokeres' running into space with their established possession-based style to create a more dynamic and effective attack.

Moreover, the upcoming fixtures against top-tier teams will significantly impact Arsenal's title aspirations. Petit believes that the outcome of these matches will provide a clearer picture of Arsenal's capabilities this season. "The start will be key for the rest of the season," he stated, emphasising the need for strong performances against rivals.

Conclusion

The addition of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal's squad represents a significant investment and a potential turning point for the club. However, as Emmanuel Petit suggests, the Gunners must adapt their tactical approach and strengthen their squad depth to fully leverage Gyokeres' capabilities. The coming weeks will reveal whether Arsenal can strike the right balance and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title.

As Arsenal looks ahead, fans will be hoping for a return to form that not only showcases Gyokeres but also revitalises the team’s attacking play. With the right adjustments, the Gunners could transform their potential into success this season. Will they find the balance needed to thrive? #Arsenal #ViktorGyokeres #PremierLeague

FAQs

What is Viktor Gyokeres' playing style?

Viktor Gyokeres is known for his speed and ability to run into space behind defenders. He excels in counter-attacking situations and prefers to cut inside from the left flank.

How much did Arsenal pay for Gyokeres?

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting for a fee that could rise to £64 million, reflecting his potential and previous success in Portugal.

What did Emmanuel Petit say about Arsenal's tactics?

Emmanuel Petit suggested that Arsenal may need to revert to a fast-paced, counter-attacking style to fully utilise Gyokeres' strengths, as the current possession-based approach may not suit him.

What are Arsenal's challenges this season?

Arsenal faces challenges in maintaining squad depth and managing injuries, which have historically affected their performance in the latter part of the season.

Can Arsenal win the Premier League this season?

While Arsenal has strengthened their squad with new signings, it remains uncertain if they can win the Premier League, with concerns about depth and tactical fit needing to be addressed.