Viktor Gyokeres given stern Arsenal warning after latest failure against Liverpool

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Viktor Gyokeres must rediscover his goalscoring touch 'fast' if he wants to retain his spot in Mikel Arteta's starting XI. The Swedish striker drew a blank against Liverpool , and according to Micah Richards, he needs to deliver more or risk being overshadowed by Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal were held to a goalless stalemate by Arne Slot's side at the Emirates and squandered their chance to capitalise on Manchester City's stumble against Brighton . Consequently, the Gunners' ability to create and convert chances ruthlessly is under the microscope.

Gyokeres arrived in a big-money transfer during the summer to address Arsenal's goalscoring woes. The former Sporting CP marksman has managed just one goal in his previous nine Premier League outings .

Ex-Manchester City defender Richards believes the league leaders let slip an opportunity to secure all three points against Liverpool , particularly given their injury absentees.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: "Arsenal did try to go and try to win the game, but they didn't have enough quality. Gyokeres needs to find something from somewhere.

"He needs to find it fast. Jesus comes on the pitch second half, and he lights it up a little bit.

"I still think there'll be frustration, though [after drawing]. There were a few groans from the crowd after the game. Man City dropping points at Brighton. In the first half, Arsenal were so dominant with the ball, but they couldn't find the last little pass in the end.

"I know you look back at the season and think 'ah, a draw against a Liverpool' but this is a wounded Liverpool side. No Isak, no Ekitike, no Salah. All their firepower was out.

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"So you're thinking this is the time to play Liverpool. Especially after a couple of their results and they couldn't get it over the line. Yes, they didn't lose the game, but I know in the dressing room they'll be frustrated they didn't get all three points."

Richards rejected the notion that Arsenal played too defensively, instead arguing they simply lacked sharpness in attack. He felt Gyokeres failed to make the right runs when opportunities arose.

"I just feel like they couldn't open up the doors," Richards explained. "They had a few chances around the box. It was half chances, but the last pass or little bit of composure in the final third when they needed it and they just didn't have it.

"I thought Saka did alright in the first half. He went down the byline against Kerkez and put it in. The runs weren't right. There was a really good ball in the first half when you're thinking 'where is Gyokeres in the box?'".

"All the runs that you talk about Alan, when the ball is coming into him, the movement, it just wasn't there. That's partly because Liverpool defended well. They were very organised, I thought Van Dijk was good. Conor Bradley, I thought he was good as well."

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