Joseph Nyingeman

After watching Arsenal against Aston Villa, I have to say this: it genuinely feels like Mikel Arteta doesn’t trust Viktor Gyökeres enough. And I honestly don’t understand why. Kai Havertz’s performance didn’t convince me. He was caught offside several times, and Arsenal needed a striker who could constantly stretch the Villa defence and give them a physical presence up front. Meanwhile, Gyökeres was sitting on the bench — a striker who can hold off defenders, attack spaces, use his pace and power, and make centre-backs uncomfortable for 90 minutes. That is exactly what Arsenal need from their No.9. Havertz struggled in some of those physical battles, while Gyökeres watched on from the bench. That’s where I question Arteta’s decision. I’m not saying Havertz is a bad player. Far from it. But when you have a striker like Gyökeres available, someone who can bring pace, power and a constant threat in behind, why not use that weapon when the game demands it? Arteta has to make the big calls. Arsenal can’t afford to leave one of their biggest attacking weapons on the bench when the team needs more danger in the final third. Arsenal fans, be honest: is Arteta managing Gyökeres correctly, or is he making a mistake by keeping him on the bench? 🔴⚪️