Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has delivered a stark verdict on Arsenal's striking options, insisting summer signing Viktor Gyokeres should no longer be starting for Mikel Arteta's side.
Carragher's Striking Critique
Carragher made his comments following Arsenal's 4-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday, December 31, 2025. While the result was emphatic, the performance of Swedish striker Gyokeres, a £64 million acquisition from Sporting CP, again drew scrutiny. Carragher believes the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz has changed the landscape entirely.
"I think maybe the only negative of the night for Arsenal is that Gyokeres shouldn't be starting for Arsenal when they've got players like this," Carragher stated, referring to Jesus. "I think in a couple of games' time when Jesus is a little bit more up to speed, he's a better player than Gyokeres. That's a fact."
The Case for Jesus and Havertz
Carragher elaborated on his preference for Arsenal's other attacking options. He praised Jesus as a "fantastic footballer" despite occasional finishing woes and placed both him and Kai Havertz above Gyokeres in the pecking order.
"Him or Havertz as the central striker for Arsenal is a better player than Gyokeres," he asserted. "Gyokeres is really game and I admire him... but I think he just lacks that finesse and quality when you think about what they have on the bench."
The context is significant. Jesus has only just returned after 10 months out with a knee injury, yet he scored just a minute after coming on for Gyokeres against Villa. Havertz is also back in the squad for the first time since August. Meanwhile, Gyokeres, who has seven goals in 20 appearances this season, has struggled for consistent impact in the league.
Arteta's Selection Headache
The debate presents Mikel Arteta with a significant tactical decision. The club invested heavily in Gyokeres to solve their long-standing search for a prolific centre-forward. However, Carragher's analysis suggests the solution may already have been at the club.
"Don't forget, City have [Erling] Haaland so I think Arsenal need to improve on what they have in Gyokeres," Carragher added, framing it as a necessity in a title race. "And they have players who can improve on Gyokeres in Jesus."
With Arsenal now boasting strength in depth up front, the competition for the starting role is fiercer than ever. Carragher's prediction is clear: he expects both Jesus and Havertz to leapfrog the summer signing in the selection hierarchy in the very near future, leaving Gyokeres' role as a key starter in serious doubt.
