Martin Keown Raises Gyokeres Fitness Concerns After Emirates Drama

Viktor Gyokeres fitness concerns were raised after Arsenal’s dramatic Wolves win, with Martin Keown suggesting the striker is not yet ready for Premier League demands.

Arsenal claimed a dramatic 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, and Viktor Gyokeres fitness concerns quickly gathered momentum. While the result moved the Gunners five points clear at the top, attention soon shifted to the Swedish striker’s performance.

Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down a stubborn Wolves side, eventually relying on two own goals to secure all three points.

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The breakthrough arrived in the 70th minute when Bukayo Saka’s set-piece struck the post before rebounding off Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and into the net. Wolves responded late through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who headed home in the 90th minute.

Arsenal, however, found a decisive moment deep into stoppage time. Under pressure from Gabriel Jesus, Yerson Mosquera inadvertently headed Saka’s delivery into his own net to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a dramatic victory.

Gyokeres made his first Premier League start since returning from an injury sustained earlier in the season. Expectations were high following his summer move from Sporting CP, but the 27-year-old endured a quiet evening.

He managed just 15 touches and one effort on goal before being withdrawn in the 81st minute. His influence remained limited, particularly against Wolves’ deep defensive block.

Jesus Makes Immediate Impact From Bench

Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres and instantly lifted Arsenal’s attacking intensity. The Brazilian’s movement and pressing unsettled Wolves late on and directly contributed to the decisive own goal.

The contrast between the two forwards did not go unnoticed by pundits.

Speaking after the match on TNT Sports, Martin Keown openly questioned whether Gyokeres is currently at the required physical level for Premier League football.

The former Arsenal defender suggested that renewed competition now exists for the No9 role, with Jesus firmly back in contention after his return from injury. Keown described the situation as “food for thought” for Arteta as the title race intensifies.

Arteta quickly supported Gyokeres, insisting the striker showed positive movement and effort despite receiving little service.

The Arsenal manager highlighted the team’s tempo and delivery into the box as areas that need improvement, rather than blaming his centre-forward.

What It Means for Arsenal’s Title Push

The win keeps Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League, though Manchester City and Aston Villa still have games in hand. A rare break in the schedule now offers Arteta a chance to reset his squad before the next league fixture.

For Gyokeres, the spotlight will only intensify as Arsenal chase their first league title in over two decades.

Viktor Gyokeres fitness concerns raised by Martin Keown underline the fine margins at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal continue to win, but the identity of their leading striker remains an evolving question.

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