Gary Neville shares verdict on Viktor Gyokeres’ performance in Arsenal win over Man Utd

Arsenal made a winning start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign as they edged Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. 

Riccardo Calafiori struck the decisive goal early in the match after shaky goalkeeping from Altay Bayindir. 

This was not a vintage Arsenal display, but Mikel Arteta will be happy to come away with maximum points from a difficult venue. 

The Gunners’ supporters were excited to see their new signing Viktor Gyokeres in action in a Premier League game. 

But Sunday proved to be a frustrating day for the 27-year-old, who could not trouble United in front of goal. 

However, Gary Neville actually praised Gyokeres for his display against the Red Devils, saying the Swede ‘did some good things’ and their attack suffered once he was substituted. 

Neville said:  “I thought Gyokeres actually looked a handful.

“I thought he did some good things. I’m actually surprised he came off. I thought Arsenal… they didn’t change defensively when the substitutes were made, but they lost their attacking threat completely when Gyokeres went off.”

Despite what Gary Neville says, Gyokeres’ display at Old Trafford will not live long in the memory of Arsenal’s supporters. 

The Sweden international was on the pitch for an hour and had 22 touches. He lost possession on 11 occasions and completed just four passes. 

Gyokeres won just three of his 13 contested duels and committed three fouls. 

However, he has just arrived at Arsenal this summer and needs time to shine in the Premier League. 

The versatile forward has proven himself in the Championship and in Portugal’s top-flight. 

He led Sporting Lisbon to two Portuguese league titles, scoring an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions.  

The goals are bound to come over the course of the season given Gyokeres’ experience and skills, but fans need to be patient with him. 

Stats from Sofascore