Jamie Carragher remains unconvinced by Arsenal star as uncertainty grows around £55 million summer signing

Last Updated on 31 December 2025

Arsenal’s dismantling of Aston Villa felt like more than just three points. It was sharp, authoritative, and delivered with the kind of control that signals serious title intent. The Emirates was bouncing and Arteta’s system purred to end Villa’s unbeaten run.

Everything about the performance suggested a side hitting its stride at exactly the right moment. And yet, amid the goals, the dominance, and the late celebrations, one lingering doubt refused to go away.

As Arsenal continue to impress, a familiar voice has begun to question whether one key piece of the puzzle truly fits. For Jamie Carragher, the result came with a caveat, and it centres on Arsenal’s forward line.

The Jamie Carragher verdict: Viktor Gyokeres needs to be dropped

Carragher wasted little time after Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa, delivering a blunt verdict during his Sky Sports analysis. Despite the emphatic scoreline, he believes Mikel Arteta has a selection problem, and that the solution is obvious.

Gyokeres started the match but once again failed to score from open play, extending a run that now stretches back to before his November hamstring injury. For Carragher, that drought is no coincidence.

He argued that Arsenal simply look better with different profiles through the middle, stating that Gabriel Jesus, who came off the bench and scored a stunning goal, offers more in terms of overall footballing quality.

Carragher even suggested that Kai Havertz, despite not featuring on the night, is currently a superior option to the Swede.

Return of Jesus and Havertz only sharpens the spotlight on Gyokeres

If Gyokeres hoped patience would buy him time, the timing could not be worse.

Jesus’ immediate impact, his first Arsenal goal in a year, reminded everyone what Arsenal gain when they have fluidity, aggression, and unpredictability up front. Havertz, meanwhile, is edging closer to full fitness and remains a trusted tactical weapon for Arteta.

The problem for Gyokeres is perception. When alternatives return and instantly raise the level, barren runs stop being framed as “adjustment periods” and start being labelled something harsher.

Carragher made that point crystal clear, suggesting Arsenal may already have better answers on the bench than the £55m man leading the line.