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Arsenal urged to drop Viktor Gyokeres against Man Utd

By Ritayan Chatterjee on January 23, 2026

Former forward turned pundit Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to drop Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal’s blockbuster Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Gunners decided to reinforce the centre-forward position by purchasing the Swedish international from Sporting CP last summer. He displayed his productivity in the Portuguese top-flight in the previous two seasons, but has struggled to replicate last in the Premier League thus far.

In 20 appearances in the English top flight, Gyokeres has scored five goals with two coming from the penalty spot. He has scored only one goal in the last 10 league games.

However, Gyokeres will be coming into Sunday’s game after scoring an excellent goal against Inter Milan in a midweek Champions League fixture. He even helped Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 by scoring a goal and registering an assist in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg last week.

Now, on Sportskeeda, Merson says that although Gyokeres’ goal against the Nerazzurri is great news for Arsenal, Arteta would be better off fielding his team against Man Utd without the 27-year-old.

Arteta should instead use Gyökeres as a substitute, when opposition defenders are tiring and the game becomes more open, which could bring the best out of him.

Merson said:

“Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus scoring against Inter is great news for Arsenal. I think Gyokeres needs to come off the bench in the next few games. When the defenders are tired, the game will open up for him and he can make an impact. So it’s better if he comes on for the final 20 minutes.”

Arsenal urged to drop Gyokeres

Gyokeres has been criticised heavily following his below average start at the Emirates Stadium, but he works extremely hard without possession, which has helped him keep hold of his place in Arsenal’s starting line-up.

Although Gyokeres hasn’t been able to find his feet in the Premier League yet, he has showcased his productivity in cup competitions thus far this season, scoring four goals in seven matches.

Therefore, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arteta eventually listens to Merson’s advice and starts Gabriel Jesus in the centre-forward position ahead of Gyokeres this weekend.