Pundit claims teammates refuse to pass to new striker
The legendary Arsenal figure and football pundit, Paul Merson, has made a sensational claim regarding the chemistry within the Gunners’ squad.
Speaking on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Merson alleged that the Arsenal stars do not yet trust their new star striker, Viktor Gyokeres. He pointed out that during recent matches, his teammates appeared to deliberately ignore his runs, choosing instead to pass the ball elsewhere.
Merson noted that this lack of trust is a major “clog in the wheel” for the team’s hope of winning the Premier League title. He argued that Gyokeres, who arrived with a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer, is being starved of the service he needs to thrive. The pundit suggested that the senior players in the dressing room may still be adjusted to the departure of their previous striking options.
The team’s tactical structure is being questioned, as Gyokeres often finds himself in great positions without being found by the midfielders. Merson maintained that until the trust is established, a fluid Arsenal attack will remain missing. He called on manager Mikel Arteta to intervene and ensure that the newcomer is properly integrated into the offensive pattern.
Tactical breakdown of the Arsenal attack
According to performance data, Gyokeres has received fewer passes per 90 minutes than any other Arsenal striker in the last three seasons. Merson believes this is not accidental but a sign of a divided camp. He pointed out that even in training sessions, there seems to be a hesitation to involve the Swedish international in the final third.
The pundit argued that this situation is hurting the fans, who were excited by the signing of the prolific forward. He warned that if the players continue to “freeze out” Gyokeres, it could lead to a drop in the player’s confidence and market value. Merson stressed that in a title race, every opportunity must be maximized, and that includes trusting your £80 million striker.
The challenge of integrating a superstar
Manager Mikel Arteta has previously defended the unity of his squad, but Merson remains unconvinced. The pundit noted that the dressing room is often tested when a new star arrives on a massive salary. He suggested that the established stars might feel threatened by the newcomer’s profile.
As February 2026 progresses, the spotlight will be on Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures to see if the passing patterns change. Gyokeres himself has remained professional in public, but his on-field body language suggests a growing frustration. For the Gunners, the Premier League trophy depends on everyone being on the same page.
