Kieran Gibbs backs £64m signing Viktor Gyokeres: 'Too soon' to write him off

Ex-Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs has defended striker Viktor Gyokeres, saying it is "too soon" to write off the £64m summer signing after a difficult start to life at the Emirates, Gibbs told ESPN FC. The Sweden international has not scored from open play in the Premier League since September and was named among the substitutes in Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

He has nonetheless scored nine times in 28 matches in all competitions, including recent cup goals against Chelsea and Inter, after arriving from Sporting CP. Gibbs argued six months is an insufficient sample to judge a player adapting to a new league and a specific tactical setup.

"He’s an out and out goalscorer, a born goalscorer," Gibbs said, adding that there are "other parts to the team that lead to a striker firing on all cylinders." He suggested the main issue is tactical: Arsenal have been conditioned over years to play without a traditional centre-forward, and the introduction of a physical, out-and-out striker requires an adjustment period for the rest of the squad.

"I love him by the way, it’s just taken him a bit more time," Gibbs added. Gibbs also pointed to a wider dip in form across the attack, noting Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke have struggled to hit the usual numbers. From his vantage point, he described the problem as partly psychological, saying the team looks to have "lost that enjoyment" and is under mental strain.

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