ARSENAL fans refused to slam Viktor Gyokeres for his shoddy performance against Manchester City as they instead laid the blame at Mikel Arteta’s feet.
The £63.5million striker had a dismal outing in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates, failing to have a single shot despite playing the entire 90 minutes.
Arsenal were instead forced to rely upon an injury-time equaliser from sub Gabriel Martinelli to rescue a point against Pep Guardiola’s side.
And it was just the latest in a line of dud performances from Gyokeres following his summer switch from Sporting Lisbon.
The Swede, 27, has managed to score three goals in his six outings for Arsenal.
But he has yet to truly click up top in Arteta’s 4-3-3 system.
Gyokeres cut an isolated figure on Sunday as he struggled to make an impact, touching the ball just 24 times while only contributing 13 passes.
However, Arsenal fans refused to blame Gyokeres for his performance against City.
They instead turned their anger towards manager Arteta, blaming the Spaniard for fielding a defensive line-up while leaving the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri on the bench.
Fans felt Gyokeres was not provided appropriate service in the final third while also being made to drop far too deep.
And with the striker netting 97 times in just two years at Sporting — with 54 of those coming last term — they certainly believe Gyokeres has nothing to prove in front of the net.
One said: “If I have to keep watching Gyokeres come short with his back to goal all season I’m going to lose my f*****g mind.
“If you sign an elite finisher, you alter the tactics to play to his strengths. You don’t alter his game to fit into the existing team.”
Another declared: “Arteta doesn’t know how to use a striker. He should return Gyokeres to Sporting.”
One noted: “Why sign a proper No9 when you plan to play defensive football?”
Another added: “Same principles as making Eze hold the touchline. Such a waste, this system isn’t built for mavericks.”
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