‘Never’: Viktor Gyokeres has to be seriously worried after Jamie Carragher’s latest Arsenal comments
Viktor Gyokeres was once again on the bench for Arsenal this weekend as the Gunners saw off Chelsea.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard got the goals as the Gunners continued their perfect start to their title defence.
However, while Havertz once again showed why he is the main man for Mikel Arteta, there are worrying signs for Viktor Gyokeres.
The big striker did replace Havertz on 78 minutes but struggled in his cameo and so far, has looked off the pace this season.
Now, Jamie Carragher has spoke on Gyokeres and Havertz and it’s looking ominous for the Swedish striker.
Jamie Carragher claims Viktor Gyokeres will simply never replace Kai Havertz
A lot has been made of Arsenal’s quest to sign a new forward this summer, especially with Martinelli and Trossard leaving.
Still, it doesn’t look like Havertz is being replaced anytime soon and speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher had a dire message for Gyokeres.
“To displace Havertz out of this team, it has to be one of the best players in the world. You’re talking an Ian Wright, Thierry Henry, 30 goals a season. Gyokeres is never taking Havertz’s place in this team, ever” Carragher said.
“Morgan Rogers I’m not sure either. It’s not about how good they are in attack, it’s what he gives you as a team as well. So one of the reasons why Arsenal are so tough to get through is how well they press from the front. But when the opposition get through that, they all come back and Havertz is about 25 yards from his own goal.
"Gyokeres is never taking Havertz's place"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
Jamie Carragher discusses the role that Mikel Arteta wants his forward to play 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8cVjT307Qj
“Then Havertz, what he brings with set pieces too at both ends. He’s not a goalscorer, but he’s a facilitator.
“This idea you’re going to bring someone in who’s amazing. Yes, I’ve said consistently they haven’t got someone at the world level in that front four. But if you do, you need to get someone unbelievable to disrupt that. For Mikel Arteta, taking Havertz out of that team and what he brings you defensively, he’d almost be giving up something of what he’s built and that’s the big decision every manager has to take.”
Right now, Kai Havertz is one of the best forwards in Europe and the reality is his record speaks for itself, especially in big games.
He scored today, it was his goal that got Arsenal into the Champions League final, and it was his goal that won it for Chelsea a few years ago.
As for Gyokeres, he just has to stay ready. As we saw last season, injuries happen and he has to be ready to go when needed.
