Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes Viktor Gyökeres has every reason to feel offended by Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s unexpected Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.
The Gunners were eliminated on penalties by the League Two side after a disappointing performance, with Deeney questioning Arteta’s decision to start the Swedish striker in the fourth-round encounter.
Gyökeres has struggled for regular playing time this season, starting only five matches across all competitions as Kai Havertz has often been preferred as Arsenal’s main striker.
Speaking before the Fleetwood clash, Deeney suggested that Gyökeres should feel insulted by being selected for the match, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding his future during the summer transfer window.
According to Deeney, Arsenal were linked with several alternative strikers, including Julián Álvarez, while Gyökeres was reportedly among the players who could leave the club. He also claimed that the striker was left feeling unwanted before eventually finding confidence again while playing for Sweden.
Deeney went further by questioning whether Gyökeres has earned the trust of his Arsenal teammates, suggesting that the issue goes beyond his individual performances.
However, the Swedish forward did manage to find the net against Fleetwood, scoring Arsenal’s equaliser after Aaron Loupalo-Bi had given the hosts a surprise first-half lead.
The Gunners failed to secure victory, though, and Max Dowman’s late red card made their task even harder before Fleetwood prevailed in the penalty shootout.
Gyökeres’ goal could still prove important for his confidence as Arsenal prepare for their upcoming Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
Arteta has previously defended the striker, praising his contributions and insisting that the team must continue creating opportunities for him.
Do you agree with Troy Deeney? Should Gyökeres feel offended by Arteta’s decision, or is the Arsenal striker simply being given the chance to prove himself? 👀👇
