Petit warns Arteta: Gyokeres needs free-flowing football to fire Arsenal to Glory

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·26 agosto 2025

Petit warns Arteta: Gyokeres needs free-flowing football to fire Arsenal to Glory

Arsenal have been urged to turn back the clock to their 2022/23 campaign and Viktor Gyokeres is being tipped as the man to fire them to the title if they do.

That season, the Gunners played arguably their most free-flowing football under Mikel Arteta. They moved the ball with pace, hit teams on the counter, and looked every inch a title-winning side. But their momentum faltered. The injury to William Saliba in the final stretch exposed defensive frailties, and Manchester City capitalised, snatching the title.

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Possession-Based Shift Changed Everything

The disappointment of 2022/23 prompted a tactical rethink. Arsenal signed Declan Rice and began fielding four centre-backs alongside two defensive midfielders. Arteta pivoted to a possession-heavy style, favouring defensive stability and set-piece efficiency.

That has been the blueprint for the past two seasons. It showed promise in 2023/24, but injuries derailed progress last season. Now, heading into 2025/26 with key reinforcements in place, Arteta may believe this system can finally deliver silverware. Emmanuel Petit is not convinced.

Viktor Gyökeres (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Gyokeres Built for Free-Flowing Football

The Gunner Legend insists Arsenal must rediscover their fast-paced, counterattacking identity, the style that suits Gyokeres down to the ground.

“Gyokeres, for example, prefers to run into space behind defenders, while Arsenal tend to rely on possession. Perhaps they need to get back to the fast-paced counterattacking style they practiced two years ago to get the most out of it. Both he and the team need to meet halfway. Too often, wingers drop deep, leaving the pitch empty, making it difficult for Gyokeres to find space. So he, alone, isn’t the solution,” said Petit, as per AS.

“If Arsenal quickly find the balance between his qualities and their style of play, they will be in contention.”

Arsenal have not had a natural goal poacher like Gyokeres for some time. Whether Arteta adapts his system to suit the Swedish striker remains to be seen. But he may have no choice. Two seasons of elegant football have delivered nothing.

Now, Arsenal need results even if it means winning ugly. Three points are three points. Possession football may please the purists, but many fans would love to see the Gunners return to their quick, free-flowing roots. With a stronger defence now in place, they could be far more dangerous.

What are your thoughts on the matter Gooners?

Daniel O

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