Jamie Carragher names two replacements for Arsenal star who ‘shouldn’t be starting’ | Football

Jamie Carragher insists Viktor Gyokeres ‘should not be starting for Arsenal’ now that Gabriel Jesus is fit again.

Arsenal signed Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64million during the summer transfer window, believing he could finally end their long wait for a reliable and prolific striker to lead them to a Premier League title.

The Sweden international has seven goals in 20 appearances this season but has largely struggled in the league, disappointing again in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa having also struggled against Brighton at the weekend.

Gyokeres missed four games with a hamstring injury in November with Mikel Merino impressing up top in his absence, initially keeping his place in the side despite the Swede’s return to fitness.

Jesus now provides another option with the Brazil international available again after 10 months out with a knee injury. The former Manchester City star replaced Gyokeres after 77 minutes against Villa, scoring a minute later with a well-taken strike.

With Kai Havertz also back in the squad for the first time since August, Arteta now has strength in depth up top with Liverpool legend Carragher believing there is no longer any room for the summer signing.

Carragher predicted both Jesus and Havertz will both be ahead of Gyokeres in the pecking order before long.

I’m a huge fan of Jesus. He’s not always been an amazing finisher but he is a fantastic footballer,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.

‘I think maybe the only negative of the night for arsenal is that Gyokeres shouldn’t be starting for Arsenal when they’ve got players like this (Jesus).

‘I think in a couple of games’ time when Jesus is a little bit more up to speed, he’s a better player than Gyokeres. That’s a fact.

‘He [Jesus] has been questioned before, is he good enough for Arsenal to help them win the league? But right now he is better than the guy they brought in who they thought was going to win them the league.

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‘Him or Havertz as the central striker for Arsenal is a better player than Gyokeres. Gyokeres is really game and I admire him for taking that penalty against Everton, he always looks really intense.

‘But I think he just lacks that finesse and quality when you think about what they have on the bench.

‘Don’t forget, city have [Erling] Haaland so I think Arsenal need to improve on what they have in Gyokeres and they have players who can improve on Gyokeres in Jesus.

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