Micah Richards has raised concerns about an Arsenal player whose performances this season have not gone unnoticed. During his review of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest, Richards pointed out that several of Mikel Arteta’s players struggled to make an impact.
Micah Richards has raised concerns about an Arsenal player whose performances this season have not gone unnoticed.
During his review of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest, Richards pointed out that several of Mikel Arteta’s players struggled to make an impact.
Martin Odegaard had a particularly rough outing, but he was not alone in that. Viktor Gyokeres also had a tough day, adding to the list of underwhelming displays.
After showing promise against Chelsea, there was optimism surrounding Gyokeres. However, his return to Premier League action highlighted several issues still lingering within the team.
Micah Richards raises concerns over Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal
Alan Shearer expressed his surprise during Gyokeres’ one-on-one with Murillo, noting how easily the Forest defender managed to handle the situation.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer’s comments were followed by Micah Richards, who shared his views on what is next for the Arsenal striker.
The former full-back said: “I think they [Arsenal] need to play [Gabriel] Jesus now.”
“I wouldn’t disagree,” replied Gary Lineker.
Richards then elaborated further on why he thinks it might be time for Arteta to take Gyokeres out of the starting XI.
“I think Arteta’s stuck with Gyokeres, whether he’s struggling for confidence, to adapt to the league, I know he’s played Championship, we know that, but the Premier League’s a different beast.”
Richards also reflected on what stood out about Gyokeres during his time at Sporting CP compared to what fans are seeing now at Arsenal.
“All the clips I watched of Gyokeres last season, and I remember saying when he first signed, don’t expect him to be a world beater.
“But what he did have was running in behind aggressively, but now it looks like he’s not doing the same thing, and that worries me. Maybe he needs a couple of games out of the team, get his confidence back and then come again.”
Why it may be time for Arsenal to move on from Viktor Gyokeres
While some might see it as a knee-jerk reaction, Richards’ concerns highlight the bigger issues that could shape Gyokeres’ future at Arsenal.
The doubts are already starting to grow, and that might give Andrea Berta the push he needs to consider moving the Swedish striker on earlier than planned.
It is one thing for a player to need time to settle in, but another if there are no signs of him being able to reproduce his past form in England.
But there is still value there, with Gyokeres holding a CIES market value of €94.4m (£81.5m).
Selling now could be the smarter play for Arsenal – not just from a financial standpoint but also because the attack is struggling and clearly needs someone who can find the back of the net consistently.
The club spent £64m expecting goals, but it has not worked out that way so far. There is no shame in that, as long as Berta responds quickly and decisively.
Category: General Sports
