Viktor Gyökeres has endured a mixed start to his Arsenal career.
The Swedish striker arrived at the Emirates Stadium with huge expectations after scoring more goals than any player in Europe during his two seasons at Sporting CP. Arsenal invested heavily, paying £63 million in the summer, believing Gyökeres could be the answer to their long-standing goalscoring issues.
So far, however, the numbers have not matched the hype. Gyökeres has managed just seven goals in 23 appearances for the Gunners, a return that has inevitably attracted criticism. As a result, his market value is now believed to have dipped to around £50 million following his slow adaptation to life in north London.
Despite that, Declan Rice believes the criticism does not tell the full story.
Declan Rice Backs Gyökeres to Come Good
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Rice explained why goals have been hard to come by for the Sweden international, pointing the finger at how opposition defenders are treating him.
“It’s tough for him because defenders are so tight on him, and there’s no space for him at all,” Rice said.
“But he is working so hard. For the second goal, he holds two defenders off really well, sets Martin, who then sets me. That moment completely changed the game.”
Rice also highlighted Gyökeres’ influence away from the scoresheet, insisting his contribution to Arsenal’s overall play should not be overlooked.
“I see him every day in training and how hard he works. He’s such a good guy. It will start to click for him. All the boys are with him because of what he does for us — pressing, holding the ball up, helping the team — even when he isn’t scoring.”
Why Gyökeres Still Matters to Arsenal
While Arsenal fans understandably want more goals, Gyökeres’ impact goes beyond statistics.
His physical presence, hold-up play, and relentless pressing give Arsenal a different attacking dimension. Defenders are often reluctant to push high up the pitch when he plays, knowing he can punish them in transition. That defensive caution creates space for others — something Arsenal often lose when Gyökeres is substituted.
It is no coincidence that Arsenal tend to concede more chances once he leaves the pitch. Few of the club’s other attacking options offer the same blend of strength, work rate, and tactical discipline.
Verdict
Gyökeres may not yet be delivering the goals Arsenal hoped for, but Declan Rice’s comments underline just how valued he is within the squad. With better service and a bit more space, confidence suggests the goals will come — and when they do, Arsenal could finally unlock the striker they thought they were signing.
