Gabriel Jesus Defends Viktor Gyokeres After Arsenal Goal Drought Criticism

Gabriel Jesus backs Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal striker faces pressure following slow goal return after high-profile summer move.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has defended Viktor Gyokeres, insisting patience and belief remain vital as the striker adapts to life in north London. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan, Jesus explained that he understands Gyokeres’ situation because he has lived through similar pressure himself at the Emirates.

The Brazilian stressed that goal droughts do not define a striker’s value, especially during a demanding transition period in the Premier League.

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Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025 in a deal worth £63.5 million, rising to £73.5 million with add-ons. The Swedish international arrived with an elite goal record in Portugal and was expected to add cutting edge to Mikel Arteta’s title push.

However, the 27-year-old has scored eight goals in 26 appearances across all competitions, prompting debate among pundits and fans. Despite that, Arsenal’s coaching staff remain confident his broader contribution goes beyond raw numbers.

Jesus offers support drawn from his own struggles

Jesus knows exactly how scrutiny feels. Since arriving from Manchester City in 2022, he has faced criticism during goal droughts and endured a brutal 11-month injury layoff, returning only recently.

Speaking to reporters, Jesus said:

“Vik is an amazing guy. We are the same age, and I have played in the Premier League longer than him. He’s a top striker and scored a lot of goals before. I’m sure he will do the same here.”

Jesus emphasised that confidence and internal support often decide whether a striker succeeds at a club like Arsenal.

Arsenal’s striker situation remains fluid, with Kai Havertz nearing full fitness and Jesus himself pushing for regular starts. Despite the competition, Jesus refused to make the situation personal.

“Vik is an amazing player. Kai is an amazing striker too. In a club like Arsenal, nobody has a guaranteed place,” he said.

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That internal competition, according to Arteta, has raised training standards across the squad.

Gyokeres has not lacked backing inside the dressing room. Bukayo Saka previously highlighted the need for the team to adapt to his style, while Declan Rice praised his physical presence and off-ball work after a recent league win.

Rice noted that Premier League defenders now focus heavily on stopping Gyokeres, often leaving him double-marked — a sign of respect rather than weakness.

Champions League form eases pressure

Arsenal’s flawless Champions League campaign — six wins from six matches — has helped soften criticism around individual performances. Arteta continues to prioritise collective success, believing Gyokeres’ breakthrough will come naturally.

With key fixtures ahead, Arsenal remain confident that Gyokeres’ movement, pressing, and physicality will soon translate into goals.

Gabriel Jesus’ defence of Viktor Gyokeres carries weight because it comes from experience, not sympathy. Arsenal’s squad believes the striker already contributes significantly — even when he does not score.

If the goals arrive, the narrative will shift quickly. Until then, Arsenal’s senior players are making sure Gyokeres feels trusted rather than isolated.

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