Newly signed Viktor Gyökeres has openly expressed his frustration following Arsenal’s underwhelming performance against his former side, Sporting CP, admitting he was left disappointed by the lack of service from his new teammates.
The highly anticipated clash carried an emotional edge for Gyökeres, who was facing the club where he built his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. However, instead of a memorable reunion, the Swedish striker endured a quiet and frustrating night, largely cut off from Arsenal’s attacking play.
Speaking after the game, Gyökeres did not hide his feelings about how the match unfolded.
“It’s always special to play against your former club,” he said. “But honestly, I’m not happy. As a striker, you depend on your teammates to create chances, and yesterday there just wasn’t enough of that.”
The match itself was surprisingly subdued, with Arsenal struggling to impose their usual attacking identity. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have become known for their fluid, creative football—but against Sporting CP, that cutting edge was noticeably absent.
Gyökeres was often seen making intelligent runs behind the defense, only to be ignored or missed by the final pass. On several occasions, his frustration was visible, throwing his hands up after passes failed to arrive or attacking moves broke down before reaching him.
“It’s difficult,” he continued. “You make the runs, you try to create space, but if the ball doesn’t come at the right time, you can’t do your job. I felt like I was not involved enough in the game.”
The lack of service meant Gyökeres barely had any clear sight of goal, a stark contrast to his time at Sporting CP where he was the focal point of the attack and regularly supplied with scoring opportunities. Ironically, it was his former teammates who looked more cohesive in the final third, moving the ball with greater purpose and creating the more dangerous moments.
For Arsenal, the performance has raised concerns about their attacking efficiency, particularly in big games. Key creative players such as Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka—usually central to unlocking defenses—struggled to find rhythm, leaving Gyökeres isolated for long stretches.
Arteta acknowledged after the match that his side lacked sharpness in the final third, hinting that improvements would be needed if Arsenal are to compete at the highest level this season.
Gyökeres, however, made it clear that he expects a quick response.
“We have quality in this team, no doubt about that,” he said. “But we need to show it on the pitch. As a striker, I know the chances will come if we play the right way. Yesterday, we didn’t.”
Despite the frustration, the 25-year-old remains confident that the chemistry within the squad will improve as he settles further into life at the club. Adapting to a new system, new teammates, and a different style of play can take time—but expectations remain high given his goal-scoring pedigree.
The reunion with Sporting CP may not have gone as planned, but it could serve as an important learning moment for both player and club. For Gyökeres, it was a reminder of how crucial service and cohesion are to a striker’s success. For Arsenal, it was a warning that even the most talented forwards can be rendered ineffective without the right support.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly Arsenal can build that understanding with their new striker. Because if they do, Viktor Gyökeres has already shown he has the ability to deliver—provided he’s given the chances he was so clearly missing on this occasion.