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News
- 56 minutes ago
Arteta is RIGHT about Gyokeres: Why Amorim will fear Man Utd reunion
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 17 Aug 2025 08:48 BST
- 3 min read
Analysis
Viktor Gyokeres is set to make his Premier League bow on Sunday when Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford – and that means a quick reunion with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.
Gyokeres excelled under the Portuguese last term, scoring at a rate of a goal a game and earning his move to Arsenal and the Premier League.
The arrival of a No.9 at the Emirates Stadium has been long anticipated and there is therefore much expectation on the new striker to make an immediate impact. By taking Thierry Henry’s legendary No.14 shirt, the Swede has only embraced that challenge.
STATS
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Arsenal
Head coach Mikel Arteta certainly has high expectations for his €65 million signing.
Asked if Man Utd is the perfect stage for Gyokeres to get off and running, he replied: “I think Arsenal is the perfect stage for him to show what he can do for the team, and he’s got incredible teammates around him to make sure that he fulfils that.”
United are likely to be appetising opponents for the 27-year-old former Coventry star, who will be licking his lips at the prospect of squaring up against Amorim.
Just as Gyokeres proved to be the perfect tool for the Portuguese to wreak havoc in Lisbon, he will be a strong threat when playing against his side.
A perfect weapon to take down Amorim
Although Gyokeres has excellent instincts inside the box, another area in which he thrives is his ability to break a high defensive line – the type that Amorim doggedly employs.
United have struggled to defend in this style as they can lack pace across their back three, and that promises to be catnip for a centre-forward who has earned a reputation for having elite movement, powerful running and near-perfect timing.
A perfect example of Gyokeres’ ability to break in behind defences came in the Champions League clash against Manchester City last season. He scored a memorable hat-trick against Pep Guardiola’s side, with two of his three goals coming thanks to smart runs in behind.
Arsenal may have to play in a more direct style to exploit this attribute, but the potential is certainly there for Gyokeres to terrorise the Red Devils on Sunday. It could well be a perfect debut for him at the Theatre of Dreams.
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