Arsenal split £67 million to sign Viktor Gyoker this summer, but concerns have been raised about the striker after his performance against Liverpool
Arsenal sent Viktor Gyoker a warning about the new signature after a “quiet” performance against Liverpool on Sunday. Gyoker completed a £67 million move from the sport to Arsenal earlier this summer, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches for Portugal.
The 27-year-old won the brace in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Leeds, but struggled to make many impacts in the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool. And former Premier League manager Alan Paldew is “worried” about the start of life with the Emirates.
Speaking about Talksport after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool, Pardew said:
“I look at him and think, ‘I want a little more from you!” Sports are different. Because it’s a different kind of culture, sports are the great team he was in and he was always trying to achieve his goals there.
“But when he was in Coventry he looked down at the sides of the pitch and looked appropriately quickly. Now in the Premier League, he wasn’t immediately visible today either?
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“There was a time when he marched and didn’t pass the centre-back. I’m worried if this kid, whom he’s been waiting for for three years, will be able to become No. 9 for this kid.
“There’s a lot of pressure on him and I really hope he breaks it, but I thought he’s quiet today.” Gyoker was unable to take a single shot against Liverpool and completed just five passes.
And United legend Rio Ferdinand is also concerned about the striker’s performance, saying on his YouTube channel:
“He’s done one good run on the channel and played someone, but against the power, quick and powerful centre half, he doesn’t look like he’ll be bullied. I need to see more.
“If he can’t bully them at strength or pace, what’s next? Does he have a noose in the box to get the garden? I haven’t seen it yet.”
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