Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come to the defence of striker Viktor Gyökeres following another quiet outing in a high-profile clash, this time against Manchester City. The £55 million Swedish international was largely anonymous in the 1–1 draw at the Emirates, managing just 22 touches and failing to register a single shot — a pattern that has now extended across Arsenal’s matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, and City.
Arteta: “We Have to Provide More for Him”
Despite the lack of impact, Arteta insisted that Gyökeres is doing everything he can to make a difference and pointed to missed opportunities in the final third as the real issue.
“There were a lot of very good balls in the box… he was very, very close to doing it against City,” Arteta said. “To have very big open chances is extremely difficult, but he’s certainly trying his best… we have to provide more for him.”
Arteta’s comments came in response to growing scrutiny from pundits, including Jamie Carragher, who questioned whether Gyökeres is truly “elite.”
Carragher: “He Hasn’t Had a Kick”
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher was blunt in his assessment:
“In the biggest games, he has looked a little bit short. I don’t believe if Arsenal are to win the league, it will be because of Gyökeres.”
After the match, Carragher softened his stance slightly, shifting the focus from Gyökeres’ finishing to Arsenal’s creativity:
“He hasn’t had a kick today… they haven’t created one chance for him. Arsenal’s problem isn’t finishing — it’s creating.”
Martinelli’s Impact Off the Bench
While Gyökeres struggled, Gabriel Martinelli once again made a decisive impact off the bench. The Brazilian winger, who also scored in the midweek Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao, produced a sublime stoppage-time lob to cancel out Erling Haaland’s early opener.
Arteta praised Martinelli’s mentality and readiness:
“Gabi’s in a really good moment… his energy, his attitude was really good and that’s why he made the impact that he made again for the team.”
Despite his form, Martinelli was left out of the starting XI against City, a decision that may be reconsidered ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale.
Madueke Injury Adds to Selection Puzzle
Noni Madueke, who started brightly against City, was withdrawn at half-time due to a knock. Arteta confirmed the winger “wasn’t well enough to continue,” potentially opening the door for Martinelli to start midweek.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With Liverpool now leading the Premier League table, Arsenal and City both find themselves playing catch-up. The draw at the Emirates was a missed opportunity, but Arteta remains focused on building consistency — both in performance and squad rotation.
As the debate around Gyökeres’ role continues, the spotlight will shift to Arsenal’s creative midfield and wide players to unlock his potential. And with Martinelli knocking loudly on the door, Arteta may soon have to rethink his attacking formula.