Barcelona’s win over Feyenoord exposed a problem at Arsenal that has been blamed almost entirely on Viktor Gyokeres.
Hansi Flick showed that managers don’t force every striker to play the same way they adjust the team’s service to the profile leading the attack.
With Raphinha operating as a false nine, Barcelona kept the ball on the ground and attacked through quick combinations. The moment Jesus came on, Yamal and Gordon began delivering crosses into the centre of the box. Jesus scored from Yamal’s cross and later headed Gordon’s delivery against the crossbar.
Barcelona changed their approach because the striker changed.
Arsenal don’t do that for Gyokeres. The team still plays as though Havertz is up front. Havertz naturally drops deep, links midfield and creates space for runners, which perfectly suits Arteta’s system. Gyokeres wants earlier passes, quicker attacks and crosses into the penalty area, but Arsenal rarely provide them.
Saka usually cuts inside looking for a shooting opportunity, and when he crosses, the delivery often travels towards the far post rather than the central space Gyokeres attacks.
Perhaps Gyokeres isn’t the real problem. Arsenal signed a natural number nine but still play football designed for a false nine.
Flick adapts the system to his striker. Arteta expects the striker to adapt completely to his system. Until that changes, Havertz will continue looking like the better option not necessarily because he is the better goalscorer, but because Arsenal’s football already understands him.