Arsenal fans make feelings clear on Viktor Gyokeres after £64m star’s difficult debut

Viktor Gyokeres failed to make an instant Prmier League impact against a Manchester United side who were linked with him before he chose to join Arsenal in a £64m deal

Arsenal kicked off their season with a victory over Manchester United but it wasn’t the easiest of Premier League debuts for Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish strikr scored goals for fun in the Championship and Primeira Liga, prompting a £64m move to Arsenal, but drew a blank on his first league outing for the Gunners.

United were also linked with the Scandinavian, who played under Ruben Amorim in Portugal. He ended up in North London, though, with the Red Devils turning their attention to August arrival Benjamin Sesko.

“What has [Mikel] Arteta done with Gyokeres,” asked one fan after the new striker failed to register a shot during his hour on the pitch at Old Trafford. “There’s a reason [Brighton owner] Tony Bloom let Gyokeres leave for just over £1m,” said another.

“I don’t wanna be too reactionary, but Gyokeres looked so out of his depth,” said a third. “Arsenal do not play to his strengths whatsoever.”

Sasko also struggled to make an impact after arriving from the bench, and some drew less-than-favourable comparisons with reigining league champions Liverpool. “[Hugo] Ekitike looks like prime R9 compared to Sesko and Gyokeres,” was one take.

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After wins for Liverpool on Friday and Manchester City on Saturday, there was pressure on last season’s runnest-up Arsenal. They took an early lead in unusual circumstances, with goalkeeper David Raya ensuring they stayed in front.

Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game, netting from point-blank range after a mistake from United keeper Altay Bayindir. Ultimately, the Gunners didn’t need a second, and they host newly promoted Leeds before facing Liverpool the week after that.

“Arsenal really dug in. They showed a lot of resilience,” former United captain Gary Neville said during Sky Sports’ coverage. “We know how good they are defensively. The goalkeeper made some really good saves and the back four got better as the game went on.

“Arsenal were never at their best but to come to Manchester, whether it is Old Trafford or Man City’s ground, it’s always tough. To get three points is big for Mikel Arteta.”

“We weren’t on our best day with the ball. Defensively we weren’t at our best, so that was a hard fight,” Arsenal keeper David Raya admitted. “We got our goal in the first half with a corner and from there we just fought until the end.

“Credit to the boys for getting the clean sheet. We know we could have lost the game but football is like this. Days like this is when the three points count.

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