According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has suggested that Viktor Gyokeres could feel insulted by Mikel Arteta’s decision to include him in Arsenal’s starting lineup for their Carabao Cup defeat against Fleetwood Town.

Arsenal suffered a disappointing fourth-round exit on Tuesday after losing to the League Two outfit in a penalty shootout. Fleetwood, who are 84 places below the Gunners in the English football league system, produced a memorable performance to eliminate the Premier League side from the competition.

Gyokeres scored Arsenal’s equaliser after Aaron Loupalo-Bi had given Fleetwood the lead. The Swedish international also converted his penalty during the shootout, but Bruno Guimaraes missed his attempt, allowing the hosts to secure a famous victory.

The goal marked Gyokeres’ first of the season following a difficult beginning to his Arsenal career. The striker joined the North London club from Sporting CP last summer in a £64 million transfer but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent goalscorer.

Reacting to the result, Deeney questioned whether Gyokeres would be satisfied with the circumstances surrounding his selection, particularly if his opportunities to start mainly come in cup matches against lower-league opponents.

“Personally, I would be kind of offended if the manager was saying I was playing in this game. That would be how I look at it,” Deeney told CBS.

The former Watford captain also recalled the uncertainty surrounding Gyokeres during the summer transfer window, suggesting Arsenal had explored alternative attacking options before completing their plans.

“They were trying to get him out the door, remember he didn’t play until the window closed,” Deeney said.

He acknowledged that Gyokeres had rediscovered his confidence while representing Sweden, scoring six goals in six appearances. However, Deeney questioned whether the striker had earned sufficient trust from his Arsenal teammates to secure a regular starting position.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has also raised concerns about Gyokeres’ standing within the squad. Petit believes the competition for attacking positions has reduced the Swedish forward’s chances of starting important fixtures, while Arsenal’s interest in other strikers may have affected his confidence.

Deeney further criticised Arsenal’s poor finishing against Fleetwood, arguing that their inability to convert chances remains a concern against teams that defend deep.

Gyokeres will now hope his breakthrough goal provides renewed momentum as he continues fighting for a regular place in Arteta’s starting lineup.