Former England striker Michael Owen has cast significant doubt over Viktor Gyokeres' ability to be Arsenal's long-term attacking solution, bluntly stating the Swede "lacks class" in major fixtures.
Owen's Damning Verdict on Big-Game Performances
Speaking on Premier League Productions after Arsenal's goalless draw with Liverpool, Owen revealed his pre-match scepticism about the £64 million signing had been reinforced. "The jury is out," he stated, a view he maintained after the stalemate at the Emirates.
Owen pointed to Gyokeres' modest return of seven goals in 24 appearances since his high-profile move from Sporting CP last July. While acknowledging the striker's prowess against lesser sides, Owen delivered a stinging critique of his impact in crucial matches.
A 'Flat-Track Bully' or a Work in Progress?
"There's a bit of a saying, a flat-track bully, I think he could be that type," Owen said. He elaborated that Gyokeres is likely to score freely against teams like Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Everton, potentially ending the season with a respectable tally.
However, the former Liverpool and Manchester United forward questioned whether those numbers would tell the full story. "Did he make a difference in the big games, the ones where you really need your big players? And sadly so far... it's a 'no'," Owen concluded.
His comments follow a frustrating night for Gyokeres against Liverpool, where the striker failed to register a single shot on target and has now scored just once in his last ten outings for the Gunners.
Arteta's Striker Search Could Continue
Owen suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might be forced back into the transfer market. "They wanted him to put the finishing touches on this team and they're probably still searching for that person," he claimed, expressing a degree of sympathy for the Spanish coach's dilemma.
He highlighted a global shortage of elite centre-forwards, noting that stars who thrive in leagues like Portugal often struggle to adapt to the Premier League's intensity. "It's not an easy position to fill at the moment," Owen admitted, referencing other strikers like Benjamin Sesko who have also found the transition challenging.
While Owen expects Arsenal to persist with Gyokeres due to the scale of their investment, he remains unconvinced. "The bottom line is the jury is out, I'm not sure he is the long-term answer," he said, implying that the North London club's search for a prolific, game-changing number nine may extend into next summer.
