‘Not Really’: Ian Wright Questions £55m Arsenal Star Following Frustrating Draw

Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title suffered a frustrating pause on Thursday night as Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford. The result ended a run of four straight wins and reopened debate about the contribution of summer signing Viktor Gyökeres — with club legend Ian Wright admitting he is still not fully convinced.

The Gunners had responded well to their late defeat against Manchester United, bouncing back with four consecutive victories and scoring 11 goals in the process. The attacking unit looked sharp, confident and decisive, responsible for nine of those strikes. Momentum appeared to be building at exactly the right time in the title race.

But Brentford proved stubborn opponents, frustrating Arsenal and limiting their fluency in the final third. The draw felt like a missed opportunity, and attention quickly turned to the performance of the club’s £55 million striker.

Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Wright was asked whether Gyökeres’ move to north London should be considered a success so far. His answer was measured — and revealing.

“Fingers crossed for him, it’s a maybe right now,” Wright said. “If we’re judging him just on goals, you can probably say yeah. But you judge him on everything he’s bringing to the team.

“He’s just somebody who I think, as long as we can finish it off, next year he will come stronger. So I’m a maybe.”

It was not a harsh dismissal, but it was far from glowing praise. Wright made clear that goals alone are not enough at a club chasing major honours. For Arsenal to lift the title, their main striker must offer more than numbers — he must influence games in different ways.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville pressed Wright further, asking whether Gyökeres’ overall level had impressed him.

“At the moment, not really, no,” Wright replied.

That blunt assessment reflects a wider debate among supporters and pundits. Gyökeres arrived with huge expectations after a record-breaking season at Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 54 goals in 52 matches. His form in Portugal made him one of Europe’s most talked-about forwards and convinced Arsenal to invest heavily in him.

However, the Premier League has proved a different challenge.

So far this season, Gyökeres has scored 13 goals in 32 games — a respectable return, but a significant drop from his numbers in Portugal. Some fans expected that adjustment period, given the step up in quality and intensity. The English top flight is widely regarded as the most demanding league in the world, both physically and tactically.

Still, questions remain about his overall contribution. While his finishing has improved in recent weeks — with four goals in his last four games — critics argue that his link-up play, pressing consistency and movement in tight spaces have not always matched Arsenal’s fluid style.

Roy Keane, however, offered a more optimistic view during the same discussion.

“I’m going to say hit,” Keane insisted. “He’s doing what he’s supposed to do at Arsenal. I think by the end of the season he will be a hit.”

Keane’s backing highlights the split in opinion. From one angle, Gyökeres is Arsenal’s top scorer in 2026 so far and is beginning to show signs of confidence. From another, he has yet to fully justify the fee and reputation that accompanied his arrival.

It is also important to consider context. Arsenal’s attack is built around quick interchanges, wide movement and midfield runners breaking into the box. A central striker must adapt to that system. Gyökeres, who thrived in Portugal with more direct service and space to attack, has had to adjust his game.

The numbers tell a mixed story. Thirteen goals is not a failure. It keeps Arsenal competitive. Yet when compared to elite forwards at title-winning sides, the margin for improvement is clear. Arsenal are chasing fine details — and in tight title races, those details matter.

There is also the psychological side. Big transfers bring big expectations. A £55 million price tag creates pressure, especially when the team is competing for the Premier League crown. Every missed chance, every quiet performance is magnified.

Despite the criticism, recent form offers encouragement. Gyökeres has looked sharper, more aggressive and more confident in front of goal. Being the league’s highest scorer in 2026 so far suggests he may be adapting at last.

For Arteta, patience could prove key. Many strikers take a season to fully settle into English football. If Gyökeres continues his upward trend, Wright’s “maybe” could soon turn into a firm yes.

The Brentford draw may have slowed Arsenal’s momentum, but the bigger picture remains positive. The Gunners are scoring, competing and still firmly in the title race. If their main striker finds consistent rhythm over the final stretch, Arsenal’s ambitions could still become reality.