Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has put forward that either Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz should take on the role of Arsenal’s starting striker, stating that both are “superior players” compared to Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres made a move to the clubthis summer for £55 million, a transfer many believed would complete Arsenal’s squad puzzle. However, the Sweden international has struggled to adapt at the Emirates, netting only five goals in 17 Premier League matches to date.
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The 27-year-old has come under scrutiny as part of an Arsenal offense that has been out of sync lately. He was relatively ineffective again, despite the Gunners’ strong showing in the 4-1 victory against Aston Villa.
To exacerbate his situation, Jesus substituted Gyokeres and scored a superb goal late in the game, expertly placing a shot into the far corner for the fourth goal.
Jamie Carragher believes Viktor Gyokeres should be benched (Action Images via Reuters)
After the match, Carragher expressed his admiration for Jesus, stating that either he or Havertz “should start” ahead of Gyokeres. “The one downside for Arsenal tonight is that Gyokeres should not be in the starting lineup when they have players like this,” noted Carragher.
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“In a few matches, once Jesus is fully fit, he should be starting. He’s simply a better player than Gyokeres, and that’s an undeniable truth.”
Viktor Gyokeres was largely ineffective against Aston Villa (AFP via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus scored a brilliant goal in a match that showcased Arsenal’s strength (AP)
With both Jesus and Havertz having returned from significant injuries, the former recently scored his first goal in over a year against Villa, following his recovery from ACL surgery.
Although Gyokeres was brought in to lead Arsenal’s attack after a successful stint at Sporting, he has struggled to find his form in England. Carragher insisted that both Jesus and Havertz are currently better suited to lead the Arsenal front line.
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“There have been past debates about Jesus’s capabilities for Arsenal to secure a league title,” Carragher stated. “However, at this moment, he is a more effective player than the one they signed expecting to clinch the title.”
“Either he or Havertz as the central striker is a better choice than Gyokeres. He lacks the finesse and quality, particularly when you consider what options they have on the bench. Arsenal must improve upon Gyokeres, and they have the talent in Jesus to do just that.”