Paul Merson loses mind over Viktor Gyokeres incident in Arsenal vs Brighton: ‘Unbelievable’
Paul Merson was up in arms after Viktor Gyokeres missed a superb chance in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.
Gyokeres has been criticised for his performances since arriving at Arsenal, with the Swede struggling to adapt to the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard gave the Gunners the lead, before Georginio Rutter‘s own-goal doubled the advantage. Diego Gomez would get one back for the visitors, but the home side held on.
Kai Havertz returned to training for Arsenal this week, and is expected to compete for Gyokeres‘ place in the starting line-up.
In a huge boost for the Gunners, Gabriel has also finally returned from injury and came off the bench on Saturday.
Paul Merson cannot believe Viktor Gyokeres’ miss
Arsenal could have been ahead after just a couple of minutes, when Gyokeres was found through on goal.
Leandro Trossard had played a hopeful, looping ball towards the Sweden international, who did brilliantly to pin Lewis Dunk and get past him.
| Viktor Gyokeres | vs Brighton |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Touches | 23 |
| Duels won | 2/7 |
| Was fouled | 2 |
Bart Verbruggen was out of his goal, and the striker appeared to go with the side of his foot in an attempt to place it over him.
Instead, he only managed to place a tame effort straight into the gloves of the Netherlands international.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News during the game, Merson said: “It should be 1-0 to Arsenal! Ball gets played out to the left to Trossard, Trossard just lumps a ball up front, it bounces over Dunk’s head and Gyokeres is in.
“All he’s got to do, goalkeeper is in no man’s land, he’s just got to side foot it over his head. Literally side foot it. It’s the simplest of chances and he’s completely mis-kicked it and it’s just fallen down at the keeper’s legs.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity. He’s struggling at the moment, Gyokeres, but he’s got to score that. That was what he brought in for, bread and butter.”
Gyokeres will quickly find himself under pressure
Havertz is expected to return over the next few Arsenal games, and he will not be returning simply to sit on the bench.
Arteta‘s love of the German is well-documented. Since his arrival in 2023, the former Chelsea forward has always found a way into the team when available.
If Gyokeres does want to keep Havertz out of the team, then his performances will have to go up a few levels.
There is no doubt that his presence creates space for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Trossard, and in turn, danger, and his pressing is among the best in the league.
But Arsenal need more. Gyokeres was brought in to score goals, and he will not be able to shake off the pressure until he gets them.