Michael Owen Asks if Viktor Gyokeres Can Help Arsenal Win

Michael Owen, a former football player, has shared his thoughts on Arsenal's new player Viktor Gyokeres. Owen wonders if Gyokeres can score enough goals to help Arsenal win the league title, especially against strong teams. He thinks Arsenal might still need another striker.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Michael Owen, a former striker, has shared his views on Arsenal's signing of Viktor Gyokeres, suggesting that the player may not be the ultimate solution to the club's goal-scoring needs, particularly in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Owen acknowledges Gyokeres' strengths but poses questions about his ability to consistently perform at the highest level and justify his transfer fee, especially in crucial matches against top opposition.

Context of the Discussion

The comments from Michael Owen emerged in the context of Arsenal's ongoing efforts to strengthen their attacking options. The club has shown a persistent interest in securing Gyokeres, highlighting their determination to improve their forward line. Owen's assessment comes as the team aims to challenge for major honors, with the Premier League title race being a significant focal point.

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  • Arsenal has been seeking a central forward for an extended period.

  • Gyokeres' transfer was intended to finalize the team's attacking lineup.

  • His performance is being weighed against the club's ambition to win the Premier League.

Owen's Assessment of Gyokeres

Michael Owen's commentary on Viktor Gyokeres is nuanced, acknowledging the player's attributes while raising doubts about his potential to be a definitive answer to Arsenal's goal-scoring challenges.

  • Acknowledged Strengths: Owen recognizes Gyokeres as an asset to the team and states he will likely be a source of goals, especially when played consistently. He has scored goals against lesser teams and is noted for his ability to finish and be in the box. Gyokeres has reached double figures in terms of goals, which is seen as a reasonable return.

  • Questions about Top-Level Impact: A central theme in Owen's analysis is whether Gyokeres possesses the necessary qualities to consistently influence matches against elite opponents. He questions if Gyokeres is an upgrade on the team's current options and expresses doubt about his ability to perform when it truly matters, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.

  • Comparison to Expectations: Owen suggests that if the measure is solely on goals, Gyokeres might meet expectations. However, a broader evaluation of his overall contribution to the team's performance raises further questions.

  • Title Race Implications: Owen believes that Liverpool is positioned to win the Premier League title unless Gyokeres can become the "missing piece" for Arsenal. He implies that Gyokeres' performance could directly impact Arsenal's title aspirations.

  • Transfer Fee Justification: The extent to which Gyokeres can deliver at the level required to justify his transfer fee and lead Arsenal's attack authoritatively is a key point of inquiry.

Specific Incidents and Observations

Reports highlight specific instances and broader observations that contribute to the discussion surrounding Gyokeres' impact.

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  • Recent Performance: A goalless draw against Liverpool is cited as an example where Gyokeres reportedly failed to register a shot on target, underscoring concerns about his effectiveness in key matches.

  • Shirt Number Pressure: Owen points to Gyokeres taking the number 14 shirt, previously worn by Thierry Henry, as an added layer of pressure that could make his transition at Arsenal more challenging.

  • Potential for Replacement: There is a suggestion that manager Mikel Arteta might explore options for a more prolific striker in the future if Gyokeres does not meet expectations.

  • Club's Striker Search: The narrative frames Gyokeres as someone Arsenal hoped would finalize their attacking unit, but they may still be searching for that definitive player.

Contrasting Viewpoints and Potential Future

While Michael Owen voices reservations, the available information also touches upon other perspectives and potential scenarios.

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  • Gyokeres' Past Success: Gyokeres built a strong reputation in Portugal, becoming a feared striker in Europe and enhancing his profile through European competition performances.

  • Team Dynamics: There's a mention of Gyokeres potentially replacing Kai Havertz in the starting lineup, indicating a shift in tactical considerations.

  • Desire for Another Signing: Arsenal's wish for another attacking acquisition suggests a continued effort to bolster their squad, regardless of Gyokeres' presence.

  • Shirt Number Significance: The availability of the number 10 shirt, once worn by Dennis Bergkamp and associated with creative flair, is noted, hinting at the club's enduring legacy and the qualities they seek in attacking players.

Expert Analysis

Michael Owen's commentary serves as the primary expert voice in the provided data. His analysis focuses on the tactical and performance aspects of Gyokeres' potential role at Arsenal.

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"He’s certainly different to what they’ve got. He’s certainly an asset to the team. Is he an upgrade on what they’ve got? He’s good in front of goal."– Michael Owen

"If we’re judging him just on goals… you can probably say yeah [he’s met expectations], but you judge him on everything he’s bringing to the team."– Michael Owen

"Owen’s assessment of Gyokeres was blunt; he expressed doubts about the player’s ability to deliver when it matters most, stating that Arsenal is still in search of that clinical striker who can perform consistently in high-pressure scenarios."– As reported in Article 7

"Owen ‘can’t see anything but Liverpool’ unless new Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres comes good."– As reported in Article 6

Conclusion and Implications

Michael Owen's perspective suggests that while Viktor Gyokeres brings certain qualities to Arsenal, his arrival may not definitively resolve the club's goal-scoring issues, especially in their quest for the Premier League title. The analysis hinges on Gyokeres' capacity to perform consistently against top-tier opponents and justify the investment made in him.

  • Key Question: Can Gyokeres be the decisive attacking force Arsenal needs to compete for major trophies?

  • Performance Metrics: His ability to influence games beyond just scoring goals, particularly against elite teams, is under scrutiny.

  • Club's Strategy: Arsenal's continued pursuit of other attacking reinforcements indicates a potential ongoing search for the ideal striker, regardless of Gyokeres' contributions.

  • Title Race Factor: Owen's comments directly link Gyokeres' success to Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League, positioning him as a critical player for their ambitions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Michael Owen think about Viktor Gyokeres?
Michael Owen thinks Gyokeres is a good player who can score goals. But he is not sure if Gyokeres is good enough to help Arsenal win the Premier League title.
Q: Why is Owen unsure about Gyokeres?
Owen worries that Gyokeres might not score enough goals against the best teams. He also thinks Arsenal might still need to find a different striker.
Q: What is Arsenal trying to achieve?
Arsenal wants to win the Premier League title. They have been looking for a good striker for a while to help them win important games.