Viktor Gyökeres saw his Arsenal team celebrate a big victory at Manchester United’s home ground. He even smiled after crossing paths with Ruben Amorim again. However, if we’re talking about his own performance, the former Sporting striker didn’t have the best afternoon. He left the field for Havertz after 60 minutes. The Athletic reported that the Swedish international only touched the ball 21 times. He completed 9 passes and didn’t manage a single shot on goal.
When a new player steps onto a Premier League pitch, especially for a big club, everyone is watching. Gyökeres’ debut was no exception. Social media exploded with comments, and many people wasted no time in forming their first opinions about the Swede. Some even suggested the striker was “too expensive.” Others questioned if he had the speed needed for the Premier League. British news outlets largely agreed. They felt the number 14 player looked uninspired.
The Sun
“Amad Diallo took Diogo Dalot’s place early in the second half. Arsenal coach Arteta also brought on Kai Havertz for Gyökeres. Gyökeres had done very little in his first Premier League game. All he seemed to do was push a few people around.”
Ian Ladyman – Daily Mail editor at Old Trafford
“Gyökeres is off the field. He played a very weak game for Arsenal. He couldn’t keep hold of the ball. This meant Arsenal had no way to get out of trouble when under pressure. I watched Hugo Ekitike play for Liverpool on Friday night. The difference in quality between them seems huge. Still, this was just one hour of football. And Old Trafford is a difficult place for a striker to make his Premier League debut. We won’t write off Arsenal’s new signing too soon.”
Sky Sports Live Commentary
“Madueke and Havertz are coming onto the field now. Gyökeres’ first game is over. He worked hard, but he looked a bit rusty.”