You Can’t Trust Him” – Arteta Told Arsenal Star Isn’t Reliable Enough for Title Run

Steve Nicol warns Mikel Arteta over Viktor Gyokeres reliability despite Arsenal 2-1 Premier League victory against Chelsea.

Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a 2–1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The result restored a five-point lead at the top of the table, although Manchester City still hold a game in hand.

While the win keeps momentum firmly with Mikel Arteta’s side, the overall performance has sparked debate — particularly in attack.

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Former Liverpool defender and ESPN pundit Steve Nicol was not entirely convinced.

William Saliba opened the scoring with a powerful header from a corner in the first half. Chelsea equalised before the break when Piero Hincapié diverted the ball into his own net.

Arsenal regained control in the 65th minute as Jurriën Timber attacked another corner delivery and headed home the winner.

Pedro Neto’s late red card handed Arsenal a numerical advantage, but they were unable to dominate possession comfortably in the closing stages — something Nicol believes raises questions.

Nicol: “You Can’t Trust Him”

Nicol’s sharpest criticism was directed at Viktor Gyokeres.

“Gyokeres got a couple of goals the other week but you can’t trust him,” he said told ESPN.

The £64m summer signing has scored eight goals in 13 appearances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon, including a brace against Tottenham. However, he struggled to impose himself against Chelsea and failed to provide a consistent focal point in open play.

Nicol widened the concern to Arsenal’s broader attacking unit.

“Gabriel Martinelli had one run, Leandro Trossard isn’t doing much on that side, Bukayo Saka has disappeared recently. So how are you going to break down these sides?”

The pundit also suggested Arsenal lacked control when the tempo shifted.

“In the second half, Arsenal didn’t have an answer when it got tense. Even against ten men, they didn’t control the ball.”

He pointed to signs of fatigue from Declan Rice and described Martin Zubimendi’s performance as below his usual standard.

Arsenal’s continued reliance on set-pieces for goals has strengthened the argument that they must find greater fluency in open play during the run-in.

Arteta, however, struck a composed tone post-match.

“It was tough. Chelsea are a great team with amazing players. We’re really happy with the three points.”

With a demanding fixture list ahead — including a trip to Brighton and a looming clash with Manchester City — Arsenal’s margin for error is shrinking.

A Defining Period for Gyokeres

Gyokeres has delivered important moments this season, but the pressure of a title race demands consistency.

Talent is not in question.
Reliability is.

Whether the Swedish striker can become the trusted spearhead Arteta needs may prove pivotal in determining where the trophy ends up.

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