Michael Owen Doubts Viktor Gyökeres’ Impact in Arsenal’s Premier League Title Charge

Michael Owen questions Viktor Gyokeres’ impact as Arsenal push for Premier League glory.

Viktor Gyokeres is under increasing scrutiny for his impact at the club, with Mikel Owen questioning whether the Swedish forward can help Arsenal win the title.

The former Ballon d’Or winner delivered his verdict as Arsenal continue to lead the Premier League table, with Mikel Arteta guiding his side through a season that has raised genuine hopes of silverware on multiple fronts.

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Gyökeres arrived last summer from Sporting CP in a £64m move designed to give Arsenal a more physical, clinical edge in attack. Expectations were immediate. Pressure followed just as quickly.

The Swedish striker’s first season in north London has produced mixed returns. His goal output has been steady rather than explosive, while his overall influence has fluctuated between matches.

However, since the turn of the year, his form has improved. His movement has sharpened, his hold-up play has become more effective, and his confidence in front of goal has grown.

Even so, Owen remains unconvinced that improvement alone defines elite impact.

Owen’s Blunt Assessment

In an interview with Metro as a UK ambassador for Casino.org, Owen questioned whether Gyökeres represents a genuine upgrade on Arsenal’s existing attacking options.

He suggested that playing regularly for a dominant team naturally leads to chances, but that alone does not define elite-level influence. For Owen, the real test is whether Gyökeres would be the automatic choice in the biggest matches of the season.

He argued that in decisive fixtures, Arteta might still prefer Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz, which, in his view, raises questions about Gyökeres’ status as Arsenal’s undisputed lead striker.

From Arteta’s perspective, the focus remains tactical balance rather than reputation. Arsenal’s system depends on pressing structure, fluid movement, and positional discipline more than individual profiles.

Gyökeres offers physicality, presence, and directness. However, Arsenal’s attacking identity still prioritises combination play, rotation, and midfield control.

That contrast explains why his role continues to evolve rather than settle into a fixed hierarchy.

What This Means for Arsenal’s Title Run

As Arsenal push deeper into the title race, selection decisions will become increasingly ruthless. Form, not transfer value, will dictate minutes.

For Gyökeres, the message is clear. Influence matters more than reputation. Output matters more than potential.

Owen’s criticism may feel harsh, but it reflects elite-level standards. At the top of the Premier League, being an “asset” is not enough. Players must define games.

The coming months will decide whether Gyökeres becomes a title-defining figure — or simply part of a winning squad.

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