Mikel Arteta has received a stark warning against 'embarrassing' Arsenal's big-money striker Viktor Gyokeres, following the Gunners' frustrating goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Missed opportunity at the City Ground
Arsenal failed to capitalise fully on Manchester City's derby defeat earlier on Saturday, January 18, 2026, as they were held by a resolute Forest side battling relegation. The result meant Arteta's men missed the chance to move nine points clear at the Premier League summit.
Viktor Gyokeres, the £64 million summer signing from Sporting CP, started the match but was substituted for Gabriel Jesus after an hour, having struggled to influence the game. The Swedish international did score in the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea, but his league form has been a concern, with just one Premier League goal since the start of November.
Howard's warning to the Arsenal boss
Despite Gyokeres' unconvincing recent displays and the return to fitness of forwards Jesus and Kai Havertz, former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard does not expect Arteta to drop the striker immediately. Speaking to NBC Sports, Howard acknowledged the dilemma but cautioned the manager about his handling of the situation.
'It’s a big call, I say no because he was the striker they were desperate to get,' Howard said. 'They spent the money and went out and got him in the summer. Mikel Arteta needs to manage the situation really well.'
He added a clear warning: 'I think he can drop him, I do, because he has enough games and players where he can manage the situation. But he can’t hook him at half-time or embarrass him in any way because he still needs to get the best out of him.'
Arteta's reaction and analysis of the draw
Analysing the Forest stalemate, Howard suggested Arsenal simply had an off day. 'They’re going to have days like this,' he stated. 'Arsenal usually do such a great job at set-pieces and just wearing you down... I think Mikel Arteta will be disappointed with his substitutions.'
Arteta himself sought to focus on the positives, pointing to missed chances. 'We created four big, big, big chances and a clear penalty, but we weren’t able to win the game,' the Spaniard said. 'We have to improve and be better, especially when we create four big chances, you have to put them away.'
He credited Forest's organisation but admitted his side fell short in the final third. The draw sets up a crucial period for Arsenal, who face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday before a Premier League clash with Manchester United next weekend.
