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Arsenal legend urges Arteta to make formation change to get the best out of Gyokeres

According to a report by Football London on Thursday, October 22, 2026, former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar has urged Mikel Arteta to consider playing Viktor Gyokeres alongside another striker, arguing that the Sweden international performs better in a two-forward system.

Limpar believes Arsenal could get the best out of Gyokeres by adjusting their usual formation, which typically relies on a lone central striker supported by wingers.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last year to strengthen the club’s attack but has struggled to secure a regular starting position, with Kai Havertz often preferred as the main centre-forward.

The Swedish striker has made 64 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 21 goals and providing four assists.

However, his display in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on Wednesday offered encouragement ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton. Gyokeres linked up effectively with Declan Rice, who scored Arsenal’s late equaliser.

Limpar, who mentored Gyokeres during his formative years at Swedish club Brommapojkarna, believes the striker’s qualities are better suited to a system that allows him to play alongside another forward.

"When I see Viktor playing for Sweden, he is much better because he’s playing with two up front, and he was brought up in the Swedish system, playing with two forwards," the former Arsenal winger told Betarades.

"Playing up front on his own is hard for him because it’s not his game to be a target player."

Limpar explained that Gyokeres is more effective when he can make runs behind defenders and take advantage of counterattacking opportunities instead of being expected to lead the attack on his own.

"He is good going forward, chasing the ball, and he’s a threat on counterattacks, so he needs a player who is a really good target so he can play off them," he added.

The former Arsenal player also believes Gyokeres deserves a chance to start, particularly with Havertz reportedly struggling in recent matches.

"If you ask me if I want him to play, then yes, I think he should play as a starter," Limpar said.

However, Limpar acknowledged that Arteta has access to information unavailable to supporters, including the players’ fitness levels and performances during training.

"Arteta is playing Kai Havertz at the moment because he thinks Kai Havertz is better for Arsenal at the moment, and Viktor will have to wait for his chance and take it when it comes," Limpar concluded.

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