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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres failed to find the net against Liverpool in another subpar outing as the Gunners missed a chance to extend their Premier League advantage
Viktor Gyokeres needs to find goalscoring form 'fast' if he wants to keep his place in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup. The Sweden international failed to find the net against Liverpool, and he must offer more or risk Gabriel Jesus outshining him, according to Micah Richards.
Arsenal recorded a goalless draw against Arne Slot's side at the Emirates and missed their opportunity to take advantage of Manchester City's slip-up against Brighton. As a result, Arsenal's ability to create and finish ruthlessly is being scrutinised.
Gyokeres was signed in a mega-money deal in the summer to help to solve the Gunners' issues in front of goal. The ex-Sporting CP sharpshooter has just one goal in his last nine Premier League matches.
Former Manchester City defender Richards reckons the Premier League leaders missed an opportunity to claim three points against Liverpool, given their absentees.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: "Arsenal did try to go and try to win the game, but they didn’t have enough quality. Gyokeres needs to find something from somewhere.
"He needs to find it fast. Jesus comes on the pitch second half, and he lights it up a little bit.
"I still think there’ll be frustration, though [After drawing]. There was a few groans from the crowd after the game. Man City dropping points at Brighton. In the first half, Arsenal were so dominant with the ball, but they couldn’t find the last little pass in the end.
"I know you look back at the season and think ‘ah, a draw against a Liverpool’ but this is a wounded Liverpool side. No Isak, no Ekitike, no Salah. All their firepower was out.
"So you’re thinking this is the time to play Liverpool. Especially after a couple of their results and they couldn’t get it over the line.
"Yes, they didn’t lose the game, but I know in the dressing room they’ll be frustrated they didn’t get all three points."
Richards did not believe Arsenal were cautious in their approach but instead lacked an incisive edge. Gyokeres lacked the movement to take advantage of some opportunities, in his mind.
"I just feel like they couldn’t open up the doors," said Richards. "They had a few chances around the box. It was half chances, but the last pass or little bit of composure in the final third when they needed it and they just didn’t have it.
"I thought Saka did alright in the first half. He went down the byline against Kerkez and put it in.
"The runs weren’t right. There was a really good ball in the first half when you’re thinking ‘where is Gyokeres in the box?’
“All the runs that you talk about Alan, when the ball is coming into him, the movement, it just wasn’t there. That’s partly because Liverpool defended well. They were very organised, I thought Van Dijk was good. Conor Bradley, I thought he was good as well.”
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