Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has issued a stark warning to Premier League leaders Arsenal, suggesting their summer signing Viktor Gyokeres could be the factor that costs them the championship in the tense final run-in.
Merson's Striker Concerns for Arsenal
The Gunners secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, their seventh consecutive win, thanks to a second-half brace from Declan Rice. However, the performance of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was substituted after 60 minutes, has raised alarm bells for former Arsenal star Merson.
The £64 million signing from Sporting CP has managed just one goal in the past two months, with a total of seven in 23 appearances since his high-profile move. This is a far cry from the extraordinary scoring form he showed in Portugal, leading Merson to question his natural instincts in front of goal.
A 'Natural Goalscorer' Debate
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson expressed his doubts about the Swedish international's profile. "I don't think Arsenal have a natural goalscorer," Merson stated. "Gyokeres has come in and is supposed to be that player, but I don't think he's a natural goalscorer. He's never tapping balls in, he's not got a lot of goals, full-stop."
Merson fears that when the title race reaches its most nervy stage in the final eight games, Arsenal might lack a player who can produce a moment of magic or a goal from nothing. He surprisingly suggested that Gabriel Jesus, and even Kai Havertz upon his return, might be closer to that description for Mikel Arteta.
Rice Rallies in Defence of Teammate
In stark contrast to Merson's critique, Arsenal's match-winner Declan Rice was full of praise for Gyokeres's contribution. The England midfielder highlighted the striker's unselfish work, which was crucial for his first goal against Bournemouth.
"It's tough for him, because he's got two defenders on him all game, all over him," Rice explained. "So he has to use his strength... with my first goal, without him making that run from Gabriel Martinelli's flick and holding it, setting it off to Martin Odegaard, that goal wouldn't happen."
Rice insisted that Gyokeres's time will come, stating, "Trust me, he's doing unbelievably for us, and we wouldn't be where we are without him."
The debate emerges as Arsenal sit six points clear of second-placed Manchester City with 18 games remaining. The north London club, seeking their first Premier League crown since 2004, face a crucial test against defending champions Liverpool on Thursday night. Liverpool, once title favourites, now trail the Gunners by a significant 14 points.
Manchester City's recent stumbles, with draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, have handed Arsenal the initiative. However, Merson's warning underscores the pressure and fine margins that define a Premier League title race, where a striker's form can be the ultimate difference between glory and heartbreak.
