Mikel Arteta has been suggested to put Viktor Gyokeres on the “backside of the pile” following his “embarrassing” contribution to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea.
The Gunners secured their spot within the March Carabao Cup remaining with a 4-2 mixture victory in opposition to Membership World Cup winners and London rivals Chelsea.
Arsenal held a one-goal lead within the tie after beating Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and limiting them at residence.
A goalless stalemate appeared inevitable earlier than Arsenal sealed the tie in harm time with a counterattack aim by ex-Chelsea star Kai Havertz.
Havertz started the match on the bench however was launched for Gyokeres within the twentieth minute following a quiet efficiency from the £64 million summer season signing at Arsenal.
Gyokeres had scored 4 objectives in six video games earlier than Wednesday’s match in opposition to Chelsea, however this sport marked one other step backward, in response to Steve Nicol.
He instructed ESPN, “Mikel Arteta has given him six months to distance himself from Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino. I used to be making an attempt to defend him at first as a result of the best way Arsenal play isn’t actually good for a middle ahead, however I nonetheless thought he was expert sufficient to attain objectives.
“I believed he was able to scoring objectives with out a lot effort, however up to now he hasn’t managed to try this. Additionally, he hasn’t been capable of stand out from gamers like Jesus, Havertz, or Merino.
“So for those who’re Mikel Arteta earlier than each sport, you’ve bought a call to make. Gyokeres ought to in all probability transfer to the again of the road proper now as a result of somebody must contribute, and he’s not doing that in the intervening time.
“With Jesus and Havertz, they undoubtedly contribute in ways in which transcend the extraordinary. He hasn’t distanced himself from the opposite forwards; he may truly be on the backside of the pile proper now.”
