Arsenal now have a major Viktor Gyokeres problem with Mikel Arteta facing toughest call

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Viktor Gyokeres was brought in to score goals not to divide opinion. But, sadly, Gyokeres has given Arsenal a major dilemma in their push for the title.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must decide whether to stick with Gyokeres, starting in the showdown with third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday night. Or to change it up and go with Gabriel Jesus who has looked sharp and ready since returning from his long-term knee injury.

Kai Havertz has also returned to training and is back in the frame following his four month injury absence. Suddenly, Arsenal have genuine options to ease the expectation and workload on Gyokeres who has managed just five Premier League goals since his £64m arrival from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

But it is not really about the goals anymore. It is about his performances and missing gilt-edged chances as his confidence has taken a real knock. After a sluggish start, Gyokeres looked to be getting up to speed as he scored at Burnley, led the line well and then got injured and his flow was interrupted at the start of November.

Since returning, he has looked heavy, clunky and cumbersome. He had an early chance on Saturday against Brighton which he just played meekly back to the keeper. It summed everything up.

He has not been getting enough touches, providing a goal threat and, at times, it looks as if Arsenal are playing with ten men. He just does not possess the skill or technique of his teammates.

It was a big call to go for Gyokeres - a move which sporting director Andrea Berta championed - because he scored his goals in the Portuguese league. Yes, he was good in the Champions League and that was probably a better barometer.

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But the Sweden international needs to deliver week-in and week-out. Berta is unquestionably “Arteta’s man” and it would be wrong to say it was anything other than a universal decision to go for Gyokeres.

And a big factor in that decision is his work rate. He does run hard, closes down defenders and the fans appreciate him really putting in a shift. That is why the supporters are still divided on him and a lot really back him.

Furthermore, the vibe from the dressing room is an appreciation of what he does for the team, making space and creating openings for others. The other players like him.

But this is also about the here and now. It is easy to forget just how good Jesus is. He was a game-changing signing for Arteta. £50m from Manchester City and he was the main man.

He has been plagued by injuries lately but he has come back so well. Surely this his time against Villa and then a run in the side. He looks up to speed. His technique is so good, he holds the ball up and looks very sharp.

Havertz’s output in terms of pressing, goals and technique and skill arguably makes him Arteta’s No1 in the longer term.

But, for now, Arteta has to make the toughest decision on Gyokeres. Playing him back into form isn’t an option and Arsenal do not have that luxury.

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