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Michael Owen on what Viktor Gyokeres must do if Arsenal are to beat Liverpool to the Premier League title

Josh Barker

Wed 30 July 2025 12:15, UK

Arsenal spent big money on Viktor Gyokeres and will need him to step up in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Arsenal agreed a £64m deal for Viktor Gyokeres earlier this month, putting an end to their long search for a centre-forward.

Fans think Gyokeres will replace Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up going forward after the two players exchanged words for the first time this week.

The former Sporting striker is expected to be in action for his new club this week, likely making his debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

Now, Michael Owen has been discussing the Gunners’ signing and what he must do to help them win the Premier League ahead of Liverpool.

Michael Owen on Viktor Gyokeres helping Arsenal win Premier League

Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League with relative ease last season.

They finished on 84 points, 10 above second-place Arsenal despite only winning one of their last five matches.

Now, Owen, speaking to talkSPORT, has said Gyokeres needs to step up, and if he does not, the title will be returning to Anfield once more.

He said: “The pressure on him [Gyokeres] is incredible. I mean, because Arsenal have been needing a centre forward for a long time now, and all of a sudden they’ve got one, everybody thinks right that’s the missing piece of the jigsaw.

“He’s then gone and taken number 14, which just adds a load of pressure on with Thierry Henry, in his shadow in many ways.

“But if, if he strikes and he’s good, then Arsenal are serious challengers again. But if not, then I can’t see anything but Liverpool.”

Viktor Gyokeres vs Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool want to sign Alexander Isak this summer, but until then, new signing Hugo Ekitike will likely lead the line for Slot following his transfer.

The 23-year-old has less experience than Arsenal’s new centre-forward but was playing in one of the traditional ‘top five’ leagues in 2024/25.

This is perhaps reflected when comparing how the two players performed in the most recent campaign.

Gyokeres vastly outscored Ekitike last term, and how well the pair perform in the coming months may well have an impact on the Premier League title race.