Viktor Gyokeres should start for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest, 17.3 and 14.2 stats prove why

Mikel Arteta should finally hand Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres his first start of the season against Nottingham Forest.

The Swedish forward has fallen quite far down the pecking order at the Emirates side, with Kai Havertz routinely picked over him.

Last season, the centre-forward netted 14 Premier League goals in what was his debut campaign for the Gunners.

Those are promising numbers, making the decision to keep him out of the starting XI quite strange.

But ahead of facing Nottingham Forest, there are clear tactical advantages to Gyokeres being deployed from the start.

And the London side must make the most of that opportunity at the City Ground.

Viktor Gyokeres can give Arsenal the physical edge they need against Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are a physical side and have no issues getting into physical challenges.

That is a fact shown through Nottingham Forest having 17.3 tackles per game, as well as their high foul count per match of 14.2, according to Sofascore.

Put simply, Forest are unlikely to allow Arsenal to slowly build up outside their box, seeing as they are eager to stick a foot in.

Additionally, while Kai Havertz is 6'4", the German does not quite offer the same physicality in pressing up against the centre-backs as Gyokeres can do.

Gyokeres offers a potential solution because his movement and willingness to run beyond defenders can give Arsenal a more direct option down the middle of the pitch.

His presence also provides a clearer crossing target for the wingers, with Noni Madueke poised to start once again, following his strong showing against Leeds and his assist vs Lille.

Madueke completed five of his six crosses against Leeds last weekend.

Gyokeres vs Lille should not end his run of starts

Gyokeres was handed the chance to start against Lille, and truthfully, he did not take his opportunity in the Champions League.

The forward had just 13 touches, managed to have zero shots, and only won one out of his five duels.

Not a vintage striker performance by any means, but goalscorers need a run of games to get going.

Against Nottingham Forest, a team struggling to find their way, yet one that poses a physical threat, matching that with Gyokeres occupying the central defenders could be a tactical advantage.

The Swedish striker's goal tally in 2025-26 shows there is an excellent goalscorer there, and Arteta cannot give up on the 28-year-old.