Viktor Gyokeres slammed in Portugal after poor Arsenal debut at Old Trafford

 

New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres endured a tough Premier League debut as the Gunners beat Manchester United 1–0 at Old Trafford. Signed from Sporting CP for a reported £64 million after scoring 97 goals in 102 games in Portugal, expectations were high. But the Swedish forward struggled to impose himself, completing just four of nine passes and failing to register a single shot before being substituted on the hour mark for Kai Havertz.

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His performance sparked a fierce reaction back in Portugal, where newspapers had followed his rise closely. Sports daily A Bola ran the headline: “This is the Premier League, Gyokeres” and described him as “non-existent,” “heavy,” and “completely out of place in a team with very different principles of play to Sporting.” The report highlighted one moment before his substitution where he lost control of the ball on the left wing and conceded a foul, drawing cheers from the United fans.

Despite the criticism, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defended the 25-year-old. He praised Gyokeres’ pressing work but admitted the team failed to play to his strengths. “We did not manage to put the ball through to exploit his quality,” Arteta said. “But winning your first game with Arsenal is a good start.”

Gyokeres’ underwhelming debut has sparked debate about how quickly he can adapt to Arsenal’s system. At Sporting, he thrived in a direct, attacking setup that gave him space to run at defenders and plenty of chances inside the box. By contrast, Arsenal’s controlled, possession-heavy approach often requires forwards to hold up play and link with midfield runners  an adjustment Gyokeres will need to make to succeed in England.

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Arteta acknowledged as much, noting that the striker’s timing and rhythm in pressing sequences will require work. “In our high press and rhythm, we were giving too much time, and that is something we have to improve with him,” the manager explained. Still, Arteta remained positive, insisting the player will grow into his role.

For Arsenal, the win at Old Trafford was the main takeaway, with Riccardo Calafiori’s goal from a corner deciding the game. But all eyes will be on Gyokeres when the Gunners return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates. Having dominated Portuguese football, the Swedish striker will need to prove he can make the same impact in England. For now, though, his debut has been remembered more for criticism than celebration.