Managing Arsenal - Viktor Gyokeres dilemma, major Mikel Arteta change, crucial title decision

Viktor Gyokeres will be hoping for more service at Arsenal than he has got in the early stages of 2025/26 (Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)

The international break will soon be over as Arsenal prepare to return to action on Saturday at home to Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners will be aiming to recover from a 1-0 loss against Liverpool in their last match before the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick proving decisive. The commencement of the break coincided with the closure of the summer transfer window , sparking a flurry of speculation about potential arrivals and departures as clubs rush to finalise last-minute deals.

Gyokeres dilemma

Arsenal's big-money striker has looked isolated at times this season. The lack of service has severely restricted the Gunners' attacking output - aside from their 5-0 thrashing of newly promoted Leeds.

The question will now be on who Arteta plays alongside Gyokeres in attack. The Spaniard has several different options to choose from and it will be fascinating to see the role Eberechi Eze plays.

All this leads to the next decision Arteta will face over the next few weeks.

Arteta change

Arteta's approach in big games has faced heavy criticism since the Gunners' 1-0 defeat at Liverpool before the international break. Arsenal's head coach has been accused of not being brave enough away at the league's biggest teams.

That may not matter in the club's next Premier League fixture at home to Nottingham Forest, who tend to sit back away from home. Manchester City, a week later, will be more interesting - even if it's another home game.

Title decision

Arteta now has the squad needed to fight across four competitions. There should be no excuses if his team falls short in their bid to win a first major trophy in five years.

But will his main focus be on the Premier League? It's still too early to prioritise, but domestic matters seem to be their top priority this season after three consecutive second-place finishes. That is, unless they slip further behind Liverpool.