In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal's star player, Bukayo Saka, has been labeled a 'major problem' for his teammate Viktor Gyokeres. This bold claim comes from none other than football legend Jamie Redknapp, who analyzed Gyokeres' reaction to Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea.
The game, which marked Liam Rosenior's home debut as Chelsea manager, saw a brace from substitute Alejandro Garnacho, giving Chelsea a glimmer of hope for the second leg at the Emirates in February. But let's rewind to Gyokeres' moment of frustration.
Gyokeres, who has faced criticism for his recent performances, scored his second goal since November 1st, tapping in after Robert Sanchez's goalkeeping error. However, his celebration was short-lived as he raised his arms in disappointment when Saka failed to find him in the box moments before Ben White's crucial goal.
Redknapp, the Sky Sports pundit, praised Gyokeres' overall performance, calling it "an exceptional night." But here's where it gets interesting: Redknapp believes Saka's left-footed play on the right wing is a significant issue for Gyokeres, who is used to receiving crosses from right-footed wing-backs.
The pundit elaborated, "When [Gyokeres] plays for Arsenal, the major problem is Bukayo Saka plays on the right and he's left-footed. So, when Bukayo gets into that position, instead of firing it across the face of the goal, he wants to chop back. That's where the frustration comes from."
Gyokeres, reflecting on the match, acknowledged the challenges but remained positive: "It was a tough game, but we defended well. Chelsea's counter-attacks are always dangerous, but we managed to score three goals. We have an advantage for the second leg, but we must stay focused."
Despite the win and his goal, Gyokeres appeared subdued in his post-match interview, which caught the attention of Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Hasselbaink expressed his desire to see Gyokeres happier, acknowledging the team's potential for improvement while also reminding him to savor the victory at Stamford Bridge.
And this is the part most people miss: Is Saka's playing style truly a problem for Gyokeres, or is it a tactical challenge that the team can overcome? Could this be a case of adapting to each other's strengths? The debate is open, and fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on this intriguing dynamic.
