Gyokeres Backed To Rediscover Scoring Form Amid Dismal Open Play Run

Viktor Gyokeres has been backed to rediscover his goalscoring form as the former Sporting Lisbon forward continues to struggle at Arsenal.

Gyokeres has endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates, failing to score from open play in the Premier League since September. His form has led to calls from fans as many believed Gabriel Jesus should be starting ahead of him.

However, former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes it is far too early to write off the summer signing.

According to Gibbs, tactical adjustments are to blame for Gyokeres’ form rather than a lack of quality.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Gibbs argued that six months is an insufficient sample size to judge a player adapting to a new league and a highly specific tactical setup.

“I don’t think you can call him a bust after six months, you’ve got to give him more time,” Gibbs stated. “He’s an out and out goalscorer, a born goalscorer, you can see that. There’s other parts to the team that lead to a striker firing on all cylinders.”

Viktor Gyokeres during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Gibbs noted that the primary issue is not Gyokeres’ ability, but rather the tactical habits ingrained in his team-mates.

“I think they’re conditioned, if you go back over the last 10 years, all Arsenal fans have really been crying out for is a centre forward,” Gibbs explained. “I think Gyokeres has only just come in to fit that profile of the type of striker that Arsenal have desperately wanted for so many years.”

He believes the rest of the squad is still learning how to service a player of Gyokeres’ profile.

“The majority of the team are conditioned to playing without an out and out centre forward so I think there’s just an adjustment period there with Gyokeres,” he added. “I love him by the way, it’s just taken him a bit more time and maybe not even him time, it’s also taking time for the players around him to get used to playing with him.”

Gibbs also pointed out that singling out Gyokeres ignores a wider malaise affecting the Gunners’ attack.

“If you take him into consideration across the board there’s been a bit of a drought,” Gibbs noted. “Martinelli, Saka, Madueke, I think we’re used to seeing across the front three high numbers so I don’t think it’s solely on him.”

After 28 matches in all competitions, Gyokeres has found the net on nine occasions. The former Coventry City star will be eager to get back to scoring form with the likes of Kai Havertz now close to full recovery.