Fans spot major Viktor Gyokeres problem in full Arsenal debut vs Villarreal

Viktor Gyokeres has already received immediate verdict from supporters after making his full Arsenal debut in friendly clash with La Liga side Villarreal on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners have just returned from a pre-season tour in Asia, defeating both AC Milan and Newcastle but losing 1-0 to North London rivals Spurs after an incredible long-range strike from Pape Sarr.

Mikel Arteta's men faced Villarreal in the first of two games against Spanish sides at the Emirates Stadium, the second being against Athletic Club on Saturday.

The game was shown on Arsenal's official website and app for a fee of £4.99 and fans had the opportunity to see new signings Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard on home soil.

£55 million man Gyokeres got his first appearance in a short 20-minute cameo against Spurs and the former Sporting CP man got the nod from the off against Villarreal, with Madueke starting on the bench in what is his first appearance in the squad after joining from Chelsea.

New signings Zubimendi and Mosquera also started the game as substitutes, with Norgaard retaining his place in the starting XI and scoring.

Arsenal have been crying out for a world-class No.9 for a number of years now, having finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.

Gyokeres, scorer of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, appears a perfect candidate to fix that their issues up top.

Viktor Gyokeres made his Arsenal debut on Wednesday. Image: Getty

But in his first start for the North London side in a game they lost 3-2, supporters spotted a major issue involving their new striker. He played 62 minutes at the Emirates and was largely ineffective, with not too much service from his teammates.

And fans have already concluded that something needs to change drastically in terms of the coaching approach to play to Gyokeres' strengths and get the best out of him.

One fan on X commented: "Gyokeres has done nothing but what annoys me is when he does make runs in behind, we refuse to play the pass. It's like the players are not allowed to play through balls because the way we play is so restrictive."

A second said: "It's been 35 minutes and Gyokeres has had less than 3 touches. Getting Eze or Leao or Rodrygo won't change anything, it's a coaching issue."

A third added: "I'm laughing here man. Gyokeres life has taken a massive turn—getting no passes on transitions, but crosses left, right, and centre when he can't head a ball to save his life."

A fourth fumed: "These man are just hoofing the ball into the box & not playing to Gyokeres’ feet."

A final user complained: "These players can’t even create a single chance for Gyokeres!"

Assessing Gyokeres' first start for his side, Mikel Arteta said: "I think it was important for him to start a match.I really saw a lot of things, a lot of purpose.

"In general for a lot of players who haven't had a lot of minutes it's good. He's so willing and confident, I have no doubt that he will be ready."

Arsenal kick off the new campaign with a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Sunday 17 August.