Rio Ferdinand predicts Viktor Gyokeres’ impact at Arsenal and draws a comparison with Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.

Rio Ferdinand has urged patience with Viktor Gyokeres after the Arsenal striker struggled to make an impact in his Premier League debut. The Swede failed to register a shot as the Gunners opened their season with a 1-0 win over Manchester United, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s header.

Signed for £63.5 million following a prolific spell at Sporting CP, where he scored 54 goals in 52 games, Gyokeres endured a tough introduction at Old Trafford before being replaced by Kai Havertz after an hour. Ferdinand believes the slow start is understandable, pointing to the striker’s lack of pre-season training after going on strike to force his move. The ex-United defender compared the situation to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who is also currently unsettled.

“I’ve seen people say he doesn’t look the part, but it’s too early for that,” Ferdinand said. “Give him five or six games to build fitness and sharpness. He probably hasn’t trained properly with a team since leaving Sporting.” He added that Arsenal’s depth, with Havertz able to step in, puts them in a strong position.

Mikel Arteta also defended his new signing, praising Gyokeres’ pressing and work rate, while admitting he needs time to adapt to Arsenal’s style. “He did a lot of things very well, especially in our pressing game, but in some moments he took too long,” the manager explained. “He didn’t get many chances today, but that will come. Winning at Old Trafford with him starting his first game – it’s a positive beginning.”