Arsenal icon Ian Wright has defiantly refused to write off striker Viktor Gyokeres, maintaining his belief that the Swedish forward will play a crucial role in the Gunners' season run-in, despite another subdued display during the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea.
Gyokeres' Struggles in Tense Cup Clash
The much-discussed £62 million summer signing from Sporting Lisbon appeared to be finding his rhythm recently, having netted four times in his last six appearances across all competitions, seemingly justifying manager Mikel Arteta's significant investment. However, in a tight, nervy second leg at the Emirates Stadium, settled by Kai Havertz's late winner, Gyokeres endured a difficult evening.
The striker managed just ten touches of the ball before being substituted with twenty minutes remaining, struggling to impose himself on a match defined by defensive solidity. With Havertz now returning from what amounted to a year-long absence and Gabriel Jesus showing flashes of his best form, Arsenal's attacking options appear relatively robust, even considering the setback for auxiliary forward Mikel Merino.
Wright's Unwavering Faith in the Swedish International
Speaking to ITV Sport post-match, Wright emphasised his continued support for Gyokeres, while also praising match-winner Havertz. 'I'm really pleased for Kai coming on and scoring like that,' Wright said. 'He's had his problem with injuries so hopefully we can shepherd him through. I think he's another one with big moments to come.'
He then turned his attention to the under-fire striker: 'Same with Eze I think his time's to come and I'm never going to give up on Viktor in respects of the rest of this season, there's moments to be had. Kai's just had one to get us to the final. As long as that continues for the rest of the season I'm happy.'
Given ongoing concerns about the durability of both Jesus and Havertz, Gyokeres is almost certain to be called upon to shoulder a significant burden during the remainder of a campaign filled with promise for the North London club.
Defensive Foundation Secures Final Berth
While Havertz provided the decisive moment, Arsenal's progression to the Carabao Cup final was built upon another formidable defensive performance. The Gunners restricted Chelsea to a mere 0.71 expected goals (xG), with deputy goalkeeper Kepa Arizabalaga enjoying a routine night to secure the side's 20th clean sheet of the season, even in the absence of David Raya.
Responding to suggestions that Arsenal are boring their way to potential silverware, Wright was pragmatic: 'I think if Chelsea got anything out of this game we'd probably be ruing the chances we missed in the first leg. But any means necessary for me. If this is how it's going to be for the rest of the season and we can nick games and nick points I'd take it because it's by any means necessary, you've got to win the games.'
Building a Legacy Through Clean Sheets
On the potential legacy of Arsenal's current defensive unit, Wright drew comparisons to legendary sides of the past. 'What helps that is actually going on and winning things because that defence won everything domestically and rightly so because they were magnificent,' he noted.
'I think this defence is brilliant but it will all be judged on what you end up getting for it. Come on, 20 clean sheets is amazing. I remember playing in a team with that back five; the fact is that if you knew you'd score then you're probably winning the game. That's what this team is like. Obviously the last few games we've let a few silly goals in from our own mistakes, but in the main if you score you're probably going to win with that defence.'
As Arsenal prepare for the Carabao Cup final and continue their push in other competitions, the spotlight remains on whether Gyokeres can vindicate Wright's steadfast faith and contribute the decisive moments his advocate so firmly believes are still to come.
