Former England striker Michael Owen has offered a nuanced assessment of Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, praising his work rate and finishing while simultaneously noting several weaknesses in his game. Owen’s comments follow Gyokeres’ impressive two-goal performance in Arsenal’s 4-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool forward, acknowledged the Swedish international’s evident qualities. “What you cannot question with this Gyokeres is his work rate. He is a fantastic runner and one of the very best finishers in the Premier League,” Owen stated. However, he balanced this praise by adding, “I like this Viktor Gyokeres in so many aspects, but I think he’s got so many weaknesses as well,” without specifying the areas of concern.
Gyokeres, 26, joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2023 and has become a key component of the Gunners’ attacking setup. His brace against Tottenham underscored his clinical edge, contributing to a crucial victory in the title race. The striker’s relentless pressing and ability to convert chances are widely cited as his primary assets, making him a focal point for Mikel Arteta’s system.
Owen’s perspective carries weight in football discourse due to his prolific career as a forward, including a Premier League Golden Boot. His critique highlights the high standards applied to players in top-flight football, where even strong performances are analysed for potential flaws. For Gyokeres, such external evaluations are part of the scrutiny that accompanies playing for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture is against Chelsea this weekend, providing Gyokeres with an immediate opportunity to continue his strong form and further demonstrate his impact. The debate over his all-round game is likely to persist, but his recent goalscoring deliveries offer a tangible response on the pitch.
The episode illustrates how player analysis in the modern era often juxtaposes immediate match performances with broader technical appraisals. As Arsenal push for honours, the contributions and development of their attackers remain under consistent examination from pundits and supporters alike.
