Arsenal Still Need an Erling Haaland-Type No.9

Arsenal’s search for a title-winning striker continues to spark debate, with recent signing Viktor Gyokeres facing scrutiny over his ability to deliver the Premier League crown that has eluded the Gunners for years. Despite significant investment and flashes of promise, Arsenal remain in need of an Erling Haaland-esque No.9 to complete their championship puzzle.

Arsenal’s Striker Struggles: A Lingering Issue

For over a decade, Arsenal have cycled through a series of strikers in pursuit of Premier League glory. The likes of Olivier Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brought goals but ultimately fell short in the title race. Gabriel Jesus, despite his pedigree at Manchester City, has yet to replicate that level of impact in North London.

Viktor Gyokeres: The Latest Hope

Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres was brought to the Emirates in 2025 with high expectations, following a prolific spell at Sporting CP where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances. Arsenal secured his services for £55 million, hoping he would be the answer to their longstanding striker dilemma. Gyokeres made an instant impression, scoring twice on his Premier League home debut against Leeds. However, consistency has been elusive. By November, he had managed only one more league goal, and his tally stands at 12 in the Premier League and 18 across all competitions—a respectable return, but not the elite production Arsenal crave.

Questions Over Gyokeres’s Suitability

Despite his contributions, Gyokeres is not yet a guaranteed starter, with Mikel Arteta sometimes preferring Kai Havertz in a false nine role. Former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov recently told GOAL that the Gunners still lack a true title-winning No.9. Dickov highlighted Erling Haaland’s influence at Manchester City, noting how his clinical edge and ability to score in high-pressure moments gives City a psychological and tactical advantage.

“It’s hard to compare anyone with Haaland,” Dickov explained. “But when the pressure’s on, he steps up and delivers. That’s the difference between winning titles and falling short.”

Arsenal’s No.9 Conundrum and Premier League Hopes

As Arsenal watched a nine-point lead at the top of the table slip away, the scrutiny on their attacking options has intensified. While Gyokeres leads the team with double figures in league goals, other attackers like Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze trail behind, each with six goals. The recent history of Arsenal’s No.9s serves as a reminder that accumulating goals in comfortable wins is not enough; delivering under pressure against top opposition is what distinguishes champions.

Comparison with Haaland and Other Elite Strikers

Erling Haaland’s performances, even when not at his explosive best, demonstrate the impact of having a world-class finisher. In tight matches where opportunities are scarce, Haaland’s efficiency often proves decisive. Arsenal’s current forward line, with its technical proficiency and versatility, lacks that same ruthless edge. Players like Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo have also shown their value to their respective teams with crucial contributions—a quality Arsenal are desperate to instill.

Can Gyokeres Become Arsenal’s Title-Winning No.9?

There remains hope that Gyokeres, wearing Arsenal’s iconic No.14 shirt once graced by Thierry Henry, can develop into the talisman the club needs. His adaptation to the Premier League has shown glimpses of quality, but the expectation at Arsenal is relentless. If Gyokeres can find that next level—scoring decisive goals in high-stakes matches and leading from the front—he may yet silence the doubters and write his own chapter in club history.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Final Piece Remains Unfound

In my view, Viktor Gyokeres is a talented striker with the potential to succeed at Arsenal, but the team is still missing the clinical finishing and big-game mentality that an Erling Haaland-type striker brings. Until Arsenal find a true difference-maker up front, their quest for the Premier League title will remain fraught with frustration and near misses. Consistency, belief, and the ability to deliver when it matters most are qualities every title-winning No.9 must possess—qualities Arsenal are still searching for.

For more updates on Arsenal and the Premier League, visit our homepage for more news.