Sol Campbell Backs Struggling Arsenal Star to Become ‘Great’ Ahead of Everton Clash

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell urges patience with Viktor Gyokeres as Everton test offers chance to silence critics.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has thrown his full support behind Viktor Gyokeres, insisting the striker will become “great” at the club despite a slow start to life in the Premier League.

With Arsenal preparing for a crucial trip to Everton, Campbell believes the narrative surrounding Gyokeres ignores the realities of adaptation — and that the Swede’s Arsenal future remains extremely bright under Mikel Arteta.

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Gyokeres joined Arsenal in the summer for £64 million from Sporting CP, arriving with a fearsome reputation after scoring 43 goals in all competitions last season. However, his return of four league goals from 14 appearances has prompted scrutiny.

Campbell, a key figure in Arsenal’s Invincibles era, dismissed the criticism and highlighted the need for understanding from teammates.

“Once they understand his movement, and once he adapts to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, he will be great,” Campbell told Paddy Power.
“He’s built for the Premier League.”

Service and Understanding Still Developing

Campbell stressed that centre-forwards thrive on specific types of service — and that Arsenal’s creative players are still learning Gyokeres’ preferences.

“Every striker wants to be fed differently,” he explained.
“What Thierry Henry wanted wasn’t the same as Dennis Bergkamp or Freddie Ljungberg. Gyokeres is a different player, and the team has to learn how to get the best out of him.”

That adjustment period, Campbell believes, is normal — not a red flag.

Gyokeres’ quiet display in Arsenal’s recent win over Wolves reignited debate. Martin Keown questioned his match sharpness, while Paul Scholes suggested Arteta may have felt pressured into the signing.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also pointed to a lack of chemistry with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, noting that Gyokeres’ movement has not yet synced with Arsenal’s creators.

However, those observations only reinforce Campbell’s argument: understanding takes time.

Arteta Remains Firmly Supportive

Mikel Arteta has consistently backed Gyokeres, praising his training intensity and physical presence. The Arsenal manager has urged patience, confident the striker’s contribution will grow as relationships develop on the pitch.

With Arsenal sitting second in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Liverpool, the pressure is high — but so is the opportunity.

Saturday’s visit to Goodison Park offers Gyokeres a chance to reset the conversation. Everton, organised and physical under Sean Dyche, present a stern test — but one that could suit the striker’s strengths.

A goal fed by Saka’s delivery or Ødegaard’s through-balls could be the breakthrough moment Arsenal fans have been waiting for.

As Campbell made clear, greatness often follows patience — and Arsenal may yet reap the rewards of trusting their number nine.

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