Viktor Gyökeres: A game changer or gamble?

As the new Premier League season looms, Arsenal fans find themselves balancing optimism with caution. The Gunners’ narrow miss in last season’s title race exposed both their tactical maturity and structural flaws. Mikel Arteta’s side has since moved aggressively in the transfer market— signing key players like Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Cristhian Moasqueera and Noni Madueke in a bid to go one step further.

But how much can be read into pre-season games? Thursday’s  North London derby friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong,  provided a glimpse into the evolving Arsenal setup—and raised further questions.

Fielding a strong XI that included Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, and Ben White, Arsenal started with intent. The midfield trio of Norgard, Ødegaard, and Rice showcased a blend of control and steel. However, the

Gunners lacked clinical edge in the final third—a lingering concern from last season.

Tottenham, under Thomas Frank were defensive  and took the lead through a  40-yard lob by Pape Sarr  which caught Goal Keeper David Raya offline in the 45 th Minute.

Arsenal responded with substitutions in the second half  that included Leonardo Trossard (68′), Mikel Merino (77′), Reis Nelson 86′, Oleksandr Zinchenko ( 77′) Cristian Mosquera (77′) academy prospect Max Dowman (77′) and new Signing, Viktor Gyökeres in the 78th minute.

The Swedish striker’s late arrival gave fans their first real-time glimpse of the £63 million man in Arsenal colours. But can a 12-minute cameo—plus 6 minutes stoppage time—offer any serious insight?

Coming on when Arsenal were chasing an equaliser, Gyökeres immediately showed flashes of his physical presence. He held up the ball well. His pressing intensity was evident, as was his willingness to make diagonal runs behind Tottenham’s defensive line.

Yet, for all the energy and flashes of intent, Gyökeres touched the ball just seven times and failed to register a shot. While that’s not a criticism—it is a reflection of limited service and time—it does raise the question: Are we rushing to anoint him as  Arsenal’s saviour too soon?

Gyökeres’ arrival is part of a broader revamp. With 97 goals in 102 games over two seasons at Sporting Lisbon, he enters North London as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers. His 29 goals and 11 assists last season made him Primeira Liga Forward of the Year, and his relentless pressing and link-up play earned him a reputation as a modern No. 9.

“He is a very complete player. He is physical, strong, fast, good finisher, and intelligent as well. I think he is a very complete striker and you can also see the hunger, the energy he brings. I’m really excited to have him with the team. He’s only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality, the energy, and the willingness. I’m excited to have a pitch with him” Mikel Arteta said before the Thursday Match

The additions of Zubimendi, Nørgaard, and Moasqueera to the team  suggest a more balanced squad. Young players like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis- Skelly and Max Dowman, who featured briefly in the Spurs friendly, are knocking for senior roles, highlighting a strategy that blends immediate ambition with future planning.

Also key is the arrival of Gabriel Heinze as assistant coach. The former Argentina international is expected to add defensive rigidity and passion to Arsenal’s backroom team. Having played with Arteta at PSG, Heinze’s influence could bring the steel Arsenal lacked in crunch moments last season.

Back to Gyökeres—his 12-minute runout against Spurs is not enough to fully judge his impact. But in those minutes, he displayed traits that Arsenal have lacked: aerial threat, relentless pressing, and physicality. As he builds chemistry with creators like Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli, a clearer picture will emerge.

The upcoming Emirates Cup and final pre-season fixtures will provide a broader stage. Until then, Arsenal fans must temper their expectations with patience.

For now, Viktor Gyökeres remains a tantalizing prospect—potentially a game-changer, but not yet proven in Arsenal red.