Arsenal are not playing to Viktor Gyokeres' strengths - 'Our style doesn't suit him'

Former Arsenal striker Jeremy Aliadiere has raised his concerns about Viktor Gyokeres' place in the squad.

The 28-year-old has made just three appearances for the Gunners this season, and was unimpressive in Tuesday's 4-2 win at Ipswich Town.

Kai Havertz has started all four Premier League games, and appears to secured his place at the head of Mikel Arteta's attack.

Gyokeres scored 21 goals across all competitions for Arsenal last season following his £64million move from Sporting CP, including big strikes in the title race.

Yet he also suffered from plenty of games that passed him by, and appears to have lost all confidence at the start of this season.

The Sweden international had been linked in a potential swap deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez in the summer, but a move never materialised.

Jeremy Aliadiere tells Viktor Gyokeres what he must do

Aliadiere joined Arsenal in 1999, eventually making 50 appearances and scoring nine goals and becoming invincible when he won the Premier League in 2004.

In an exclusive interview with Live Football Tickets, he was asked about Gyokeres, and said: "I think he’s just got to be patient, keep the faith, have a strong mindset and mentality and really believe in his quality and that he will turn things around.

"Obviously, I know how difficult it is when suddenly you’re not playing and you’re on the bench and you don’t really understand why. When you look at it, he was the top scorer last year. 

"Obviously there was some criticism and people expected more for the money invested, but in the end he did deliver. I think he scored some important goals and he gives you something different.

"My only concern is that I just feel we’re not playing the style that suits him, and that’s more my concern. Mikel always seems to go back to Havertz. Even after Havertz was out for a long time, he brought Havertz back in for the big games because Havertz fits the way we play and the style we play.

"It’s tough to justify saying Viktor should be in and Havertz should be on the bench when Havertz is doing so well," he added.

Gyokeres' dismal stats underline confidence loss

Tuesday night's clash felt like a real chance for Gyokeres to bag a goal and send a statement to Arteta.

But the Swede simply did not look up for it, and saw the game largely pass him by.

He misplaced four of his 13 attempted passes, took only one shot and won only one duel on the night.

Gyokeres still has a role to play for Arsenal this season, but he is desperately in need of a confidence boost.