The prevention of Viktor Gyokeres is the biggest challenge of Portuguese football in the past 2 seasons. Whenever Arsenal's rookie came to the pitch, the defenders, goalkeepers and coaches had to prepare for 90 minutes of tension. During 2 years at Sporting, he scored 68 goals/66 matches in the + 29 goals in other arenas.
For goalkeeper Kewin Silva, the name Gyokeres is an obsession. In April 2025, the temple guard of Moreirense had to pick up the ball 3 times after 3 finishes of Gyokeres. “I am afraid of him, because I only conceded. He is a monster,” the Brazilian goalkeeper said.
Describe Gyokeres almost a recurring nightmare. “He dribbles over my center -back near the edge of the penalty area and launched a shot with his toe,” Kewin said. “The shot was very strong, but I was able to stop it. Gyokeres is a comprehensive player model – can finish from every position, read the game smartly and create depth by keeping the ball.”
Braga's coach Carlos Carvalhal analyzed: “Gyokeres has a favorite way to move from the middle to the left. To disable it, focusing on maintaining the balance of the home team's right wing, the left wing of Sporting.
It was not the only key, but Carvalhal said it was the most important tactical element. Punishments and other fixed situations can also be a special challenge. Although Gyokeres scored only 5 goals for Sporting.
“He was very strong in the penalty area whenever he had a cross. We played with a very delicate regional strategy, keeping 4 defenders close to each other so that Gyokeres had no space. And everything went well,” Carvalhal emphasized.
Gyokeres grew up during the time in Sporting, becoming a comprehensive striker. When he came to Arsenal, he would definitely become more dangerous when he was exploited gaps to coordinate attacks because Arsenal not only played wide but also built a gameplay in the middle of the yard.
Gyokeres is famous for its ability to penetrate the opponent's defense. Ruben Fernandes is one of the players assigned with Gyokeres. He recalled with his pride in the night of his team holding a clean sheet against Sporting – one of the rare times that took place in December 2024.
“We have been practicing all week to make sure Gyokeres has no space and prevents Sporting's dangerous attacks,” he said. “There are 2 or 3 players assigned special tasks to ensure this striker is always controlled. This is one of the most dangerous players; there is at least one player with a pair of players.” He said.
After the match, the dressing room was filled with pride. This draw feels like a victory over the champion. “We feel like we have completed the mission,” Fernandes said with a grim smile. “He scored in almost every match, but we stopped Gyokeres successfully. This is something that all defenses can be proud.”
When asked if the defenders in the Premier League, Fernandes admitted that everything could be more difficult with Gyokeres right now. “The players in the UK have better physical strength and get used to his strength. I can give them advice? Never let him alone, always have the players around him.”
The message from Portugal is very clear: Gyokeres may be blocked, but never easy. Arsenal fans hope he will show the best, because a more complete and dangerous version of the player has been less noticeable during the time in Brighton from 2018 to 2021 and played in the Championship with Swansea and Coventry to the Premier League.
