Key Points
- Former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar has recommended a tactical setup modification to manager Mikel Arteta to optimize striker Viktor Gyökeres‘ goalscoring output.
- Arteta has consistently preferred a 4-3-3 formation featuring a single central striker alongside two wide forwards since replacing Unai Emery in December 2019.
- Gyökeres arrived from Sporting CP to bolster the frontline but has largely served as an understudy to German international Kai Havertz.
- Across 64 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, the Swedish international has registered 21 goals and provided four assists.
- Gyökeres made a significant impression off the bench in Wednesday’s 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Bayern Munich, assisting Declan Rice’s late equalizer.
- The forward has staked a strong claim to start in Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal (North London News) October 22, 2026 – How can Mikel Arteta maximize the output of Viktor Gyökeres, and is a tactical alteration necessary to unleash the Swedish striker’s full potential? Former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar has suggested that manager Mikel Arteta alter his standard tactical setup to get the absolute best out of Viktor Gyökeres. Since taking over in the Emirates Stadium dugout as successor to Unai Emery in December 2019, the Spanish manager has systematically preferred a structure featuring a single central striker flanked by two natural wingers. This system has consistently meant that at least two or three senior attacking forwards must take a seat on the substitutes’ bench.
Gyökeres was brought to North London last year following a high-profile transfer from Portuguese side Sporting CP, tasked with bolstering Arsenal’s central attacking unit. However, the forward has faced challenges in securing an unquestioned starting role, frequently functioning as an understudy to Kai Havertz. Since touching down in North London, the Sweden international has accumulated 64 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and contributing four assists. Despite his rotational role, Gyökeres delivered an impactful performance during Wednesday night’s 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Bayern Munich, combining effectively with midfielder Declan Rice, who netted a late equalizer in the second half. Following that display, Gyökeres has staked a firm claim for a starting place when Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Should Mikel Arteta Revamp Arsenal’s Formation to Support Viktor Gyökeres?
As reported by sports journalists across North London outlets, former Gunners winger Anders Limpar outlined that a alteration in structural shape could unlock Gyökeres’ full goalscoring output. Under Arteta’s established tactical framework, Arsenal have operated almost exclusively with a lone front-man, supported by high-positioned wingers.
As detailed by coverage from Goal.com and VAVEL, Limpar previously discussed the tactical dynamics facing modern strikers in Arteta’s setup. Speaking in an interview with AFTV, Limpar highlighted how modern tactical systems differ from classic eras:
“The game now is different, now wingers will look to have a shot on goal themselves rather than look for your forward to score, so it’s a different kind of football you know? To sum it up, wingers themselves back in the day were created to supply the forwards, nowadays you have wingers who are much better goalscorers.”
Limpar’s commentary suggests that adjusting the attacking structure—potentially pairing Gyökeres alongside another forward like Havertz or altering the service from wide areas—could alleviate the isolation often experienced by a single center-forward in a 4-3-3 shape.
How Has Viktor Gyökeres Performed Since Joining Arsenal?
As documented across official club metrics and media reports, Gyökeres’ journey at Arsenal has featured a mixture of impactful displays and rotation. Having joined from Sporting CP with high expectations following a prolific spell in Portugal, the striker has amassed 21 goals and four assists in 64 total matches for the club.
As reported by Goal.com, Limpar previously evaluated the forward’s adjustment to English football, noting the physical and technical demands required at the highest level. Limpar stated:
“He looks strong, he is up for a tussle and he will improve the more games he plays.”
However, Limpar also pointed out areas for growth in his technical link-up play:
“We see the ball bounce off him too much sometimes. He needs to improve the technical sides of his game. In my view, Gabriel Jesus is not even close to Viktor in terms of his goalscoring ability, but on the other hand Viktor is not even close to Jesus and his technique… If Viktor can improve the technical side of his game, focus on technique every day in training, on receiving the ball and keeping it and getting more involved in play a little bit more, he can be one of the great Arsenal players.”
Despite facing competition from Havertz and recovering from sporadic form, Gyökeres showed his game-changing capability midweek against Bayern Munich. Entering the pitch as a second-half substitute, his link-up play with Declan Rice directly resulted in Arsenal’s second-half equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw.
Background of the Particular Development
The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP represented a significant investment by Arsenal to add a physical, direct dimension to their front line. Prior to his move to North London, Gyökeres established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, leading Sporting CP to domestic success with his goalscoring record.
Upon his transition to the Premier League, Mikel Arteta integrated Gyökeres into a frontline that already contained versatile options such as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Over the past several seasons, Arteta’s tactical identity has relied heavily on fluidity, press-resistance, and positional interchange. Havertz’s capacity to drop deep into midfield spaces and link play frequently made him Arteta’s preferred central choice in major fixtures. Consequently, Gyökeres has often been deployed as an impact option off the bench or rotated during congested fixture schedules, leading to ongoing tactical commentary from former players regarding how best to harness his traditional center-forward skill set.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Arsenal’s Squad and Match Preparation
This ongoing tactical discussion regarding Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Arteta’s system carries several direct implications for Arsenal’s coaching staff, squad selection, and upcoming opposition:
- Impact on Mikel Arteta and Tactical Selection: If Arteta opts to alter his tactical approach to accommodate Gyökeres alongside Kai Havertz or adjust the duties of his wide players, it would mark a notable departure from his trusted 4-3-3 system. While a twin-striker or revised setup could increase central penalty-box presence, it risks compromising Arsenal’s numerical midfield superiority and defensive pressing structures.
- Impact on Viktor Gyökeres and Squad Competition: A strong performance off the bench against Bayern Munich, combined with potential starting minutes against Everton, offers Gyökeres an opportunity to secure a regular starting role. Increased line-up inclusion could boost his match sharpness and confidence, though continued rotational use may keep him primarily in an impact substitute role behind Havertz.
- Impact on Everton’s Defensive Strategy: Everton’s technical staff and defensive unit must prepare for two distinct Arsenal setups ahead of Saturday’s match at the Emirates Stadium. Facing a frontline led by Havertz requires defending dynamic, fluid movement, whereas preparing for Gyökeres requires managing a direct, physically imposing center-forward who thrives on service inside the 18-yard box.
