Gary Lineker Sounds Warning: Arsenal’s Title Dream Depends on Gyokeres’ Return to Form
Former England striker Gary Lineker has expressed concern over Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s side cannot achieve glory without goals from their star striker, Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite sitting three points clear at the top of the table after a 1–0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, Lineker believes Arsenal’s attacking struggles could haunt them later in the season.
“Viktor Gyokeres is going through a bit of a bad spell,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “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. I think it’s a big spell coming up for him over the next few games.”
The Swedish international joined Arsenal for £64 million from Sporting CP, where he enjoyed a blistering scoring record of 97 goals in 102 matches. But since arriving in North London, he has struggled to replicate that same ruthless finishing — something Lineker believes could prove decisive in Arsenal’s title chase.
Arsenal have finished as runners-up in each of the past three seasons, falling just short despite periods of brilliance. With Manchester City and Liverpool breathing down their necks, every missed chance now feels magnified.
Opinion: Arsenal Still Have Time, and Gyokeres Still Has Fire
Lineker’s comments are fair — but they also come with a silver lining. Every striker, no matter how elite, faces rough patches. Gyokeres’ drought is worrying, but it’s also temporary. The 26-year-old has shown he can handle pressure, and Arsenal’s style of play still gives him plenty of chances to rediscover his rhythm.
The Gunners, under Arteta, have learned resilience — grinding out narrow wins instead of collapsing under pressure. Their current position at the summit shows that the team’s collective strength has improved, even when their main striker is misfiring.
Still, to finally lift that elusive Premier League trophy after 21 years, Arsenal need Gyokeres to find his scoring boots — and soon. Because while great teams can defend and dominate, champions finish.
If Gyokeres regains confidence and starts firing again, Arsenal might not just dream of the title — they could finally live it.
