No Spark from Gyökeres v Villareal, But the Blame Lies Elsewhere
Viktor Gyökeres, who signed for the Gunners on 26th July, failed to sparkle once again as Arsenal faced Villareal in their penultimate friendly ahead of the 2025-26 season starting proper. But while keyboard warriors may be quick to slander the Arsenal hitman, he simply wasn’t platformed to shine. Gyökeres received little service from his teammates, […] The post No Spark from Gyökeres v Villareal, But the Blame Lies Elsewhere appeared first on Just Arsenal News.
RR aka Rishi-Raj
Viktor Gyökeres, who signed for the Gunners on 26th July, failed to sparkle once again as Arsenal faced Villareal in their penultimate friendly ahead of the 2025-26 season starting proper.
But while keyboard warriors may be quick to slander the Arsenal hitman, he simply wasn’t platformed to shine.
Gyökeres received little service from his teammates, especially in the first half, where he was forced to create chances for himself. It took him drifting out to the left on a few occasions to try to cut inside for a shot. He was a lonely figure leading the line, with only Mikel Merino managing to find him just as he was about to be subbed off.
In the end, Gyökeres failed to enjoy the dream Emirates debut many had hoped for. The numbers tell the story: just 14 touches, 57% passing accuracy, two shots, 100% success rate in dribbles, and two defensive actions.
But it would be harsh to judge him too quickly because it’s clear where the real problem lies.
For far too long, the belief has been that a top goal-scoring striker would solve Arsenal’s attacking woes. But it’s becoming increasingly clear: no individual attacker is coming to save this team.
What Arsenal needs is a tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s System Doesn’t Platform Strikers
The current setup relies heavily on wing play, particularly down the right, with the left wing often underwhelming. The plan is to create overloads, whip in crosses, and occasionally play to the base of the box for second-ball shots.
But the lack of central play continues to ruin attacking dynamics and contributes little to expected goals (xG), a problem that must be addressed.
System Change or Transfer Window Solution?
Whether it’s switching to a double pivot with Martin Ødegaard as a No.10 and Declan Rice alongside Martin Zubimendi deeper, allowing the wingers to drift inside…
Or whether it’s getting the Eberechi Eze deal over the line and betting on his ability to rip open defences, we’ll have to wait and see.
You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different outcomes.
Arteta and his technical bench have one week to sort out their tactics, or Gooners could be in for a long, bumpy ride this season..
Let us know what you think in the comments. Are you getting worried Gooners?
Daniel O
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The post No Spark from Gyökeres v Villareal, But the Blame Lies Elsewhere appeared first on Just Arsenal News.
