Gary Lineker: Arsenal Can’t Win Premier League Without Gyokeres Finding His Scoring Boots

Former England striker Gary Lineker has raised concerns over Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, insisting that the Gunners cannot go all the way unless their main striker, Viktor Gyokeres, rediscovers his goal-scoring touch.

Arsenal, who have finished second for three consecutive seasons, currently sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League after a narrow 1–0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. Meanwhile, title rivals Manchester City defeated Brentford 2–0, and Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United has seen them drop to fourth place.

Despite being the bookmakers’ favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, Lineker believes Arsenal’s success hinges on Gyokeres stepping up in front of goal.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said:

“Viktor Gyokeres is going through a bit of a bad spell. It’s seven games in all competitions without a goal now. For Arsenal to really realise their ambitions, he’s going to have to start scoring a lot of goals. It’s a big spell coming up for him over the next few games.”

Gyokeres, who arrived from Sporting CP for £64 million, had built a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers — scoring an astonishing 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese side before making the move to the Emirates.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Title Dreams May Rest on Gyokeres’ Shoulders

Lineker’s observation hits close to home for Arsenal fans who have seen this story before — beautiful football, tight wins, but a lack of cutting edge up front when it matters most.

Gyokeres’ dry spell could not have come at a more delicate time. With Arsenal’s midfield and defense performing admirably, the missing link is a consistent finisher who can turn half-chances into match-winners. The Gunners’ recent 1–0 victories may look professional on paper, but in a title race as tight as this, they need more than just control — they need clinical firepower.

Still, there’s reason for optimism. Gyokeres has proven himself a natural goal scorer in Portugal, and confidence — not ability — seems to be the missing ingredient. Once he gets one, the floodgates might open again.

For now, Arsenal’s fans will hope that Lineker’s warning serves as motivation rather than prophecy. Because if Gyokeres finds his form soon, the Gunners’ 21-year wait for the Premier League crown might finally be coming to an end — and in spectacular fashion.