Arsenal’s Premier League opener at Old Trafford didn’t go the way Viktor Gyökeres would have wanted. The Swedish striker, who arrived this summer from Sporting CP for £64 million, had a quiet outing just four passes in 60 minutes and no shots registered. On paper, it looked underwhelming, especially compared to Benjamin Šeško, who managed two shots in just half an hour of action.
But Sporting CP expert Sam Fonseca has urged Arsenal fans to remain calm. In an exclusive with TBR Football, he explained why Gyökeres’ slow start should not be seen as cause for panic.
A familiar start, Patience is key
Fonseca pointed out that Gyökeres also started slowly in Portugal after joining Sporting in 2023. He failed to score in three of his first four games, yet went on to net 43 goals and provide 15 assists in the 2023/24 season alone.
“Even when he wasn’t scoring, you could see what he brought, intensity, direct running, creating chaos for defenders,” Fonseca explained. “He isn’t just a poacher waiting in the box. He thrives on stretching defences, running channels, and accelerating the game. Arsenal are more structured, so it will take time for him to adjust.”
Another factor is fitness. Gyökeres isn’t fully match-ready yet, and Fonseca stressed that the real judgement should only come by September or October. That gives Arteta time to adapt his system to make the most of Gyökeres’ qualities; direct transitions, quick service, and movement in behind.
Arsenal have no regrets about signing Gyökeres over Šeško
Interestingly, Arsenal also considered Šeško but walked away when RB Leipzig demanded £78m. Internally, the Gunners are convinced they got the better deal. Graeme Bailey of TBR Football reported: “The coaches are buzzing with Gyökeres in training. They love what they’re seeing.”
With Leeds United visiting the Emirates next, Gyökeres now has the chance to score his first Arsenal goal in front of home fans. If history repeats itself, patience will be rewarded because once Gyökeres clicks, he becomes unstoppable.
