Overview
- Arsenal drew 2-2 at Sunderland, with fans and analysts saying Viktor Gyökeres’ absence reduced pressing, stretching and focal play in the final third.
- Gyökeres is nursing a hamstring complaint after being withdrawn at half-time against Burnley and is slated for a post‑break return.
- Commentary pointed to knock‑on effects for teammates, noting Bukayo Saka faced tighter attention without Gyökeres’ movement occupying defenders.
- On BBC’s Match of the Day, Alan Shearer criticised Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko for poor decisions and finishing after two missed chances against Tottenham.
- Early-season numbers amplify the contrast, with Gyökeres on six goals in 14 appearances versus Sesko’s two in 12, reinforcing Arsenal’s summer choice of a ‘ready now’ striker favored by Andrea Berta.