Viktor Gyokeres divides opinion - but there's one thing that can't be questioned

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Viktor Gyokeres is dividing opinion like few other Premier League strikers. And that is just among the Arsenal fanbase.

It is fair to say that Gyokeres looks like a striker who desperately needs a goal. It is now six games - or 488 minutes on the pitch - since Gyokeres last hit the target. If you listen to a lot of supporters on social media - always a dangerous business - then they are questioning him already.

Gyokeres has played ten games, scored three goals and the £64m price tag and expectation of being the centre forward who solves all of Arsenal’s problems looks to be weighing heavy on his shoulders.

But the match-going fan - and indeed perhaps the more supportive ones on X - have a very different view which is exactly what Gyokeres needs if he is going to be a long-term success.

There is a bunch of fans who sit near the press box at the Emirates. They are fantastic fun, we have great banter and they get behind the team. It’s a genuine pleasure to sit near them when I go to cover games. And they really like Gyokeres.

Why? Because he leads the line, makes space for others, holds the ball up and runs down defenders. He is an out-and-out striker.

They also make the point that it took Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry time to settle. It is hard to argue he is in their class, but you get the point.

And it is a particularly valid one. Why? Because this summer has seen a huge investment in strikers.

Gyokeres was Arsenal’s big buy. Liverpool spent £125m on Alexander Isak and he is taking time to settle and fit in at Liverpool.

Benjamin Sesko - who could so easily have been an Arsenal player last year and again this summer - has scored two goals in eight appearances for Manchester United .

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Newcastle fans really like Nick Woltemade. And no wonder. The one that has really hit the ground running is Joao Pedro at Chelsea . He looks terrific.

And he has one big advantage over the others… he was Premier League ready. He even had a mini pre-season with the Club World Cup. Isak spent his summer on strike.

There has to be a concern over Gyokeres. You cannot paint it any other way. He does look big, strong and certainly does not glide across the pitch. He is not particularly pleasing on the eye.

He looks even worse when he ends up snatching at chances as he did against Olympiacos. He looks like a player desperate - too desperate - to score.

It looked as if Gyokeres even wanted to snatch the ball from Bukayo Saka against West Ham on Saturday so he could take the penalty. Saka is one of the best players in the world , a really nice guy and he was diplomatic enough to excuse Gyokeres from any blame.

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But Gyokeres is not afraid to get involved. This is a player who even wanted the iconic No14 shirt which was worn by Henry, one of football’s all-time greats and Arsenal’s all-time top scorer. That takes some guts.

I’m not convinced yet. Far from it. I think he looks too big and bulky. Too raw. But the one thing you cannot question is Gyokeres’ mentality, character and determination. His teammates talk about his single-minded attitude. His mindset is remarkable. He wants to prove everyone wrong.

And the point is, he has the real hardcore fans behind him. They love him. They have not had a centre forward like him for years. And if they keep backing him it’s hard to argue he will not come good.

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