Mikel Arteta has been urged to make a major change to his Arsenal starting XI when the Gunners face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The biggest question surrounds Viktor Gyokeres, who has yet to start a Premier League match for Arsenal this season.
Arsenal fan and content creator Joel Beya believes the Leeds clash could be the perfect opportunity for the Swedish striker to finally receive a starting role.
Gyokeres has struggled for regular Premier League minutes so far, but his form during the international break has strengthened the argument for a bigger role. With Kai Havertz also facing a fitness concern, the pressure on Arteta to make a decision up front has increased.
Viktor Gyokeres Backed to Start Against Leeds
Gyokeres has not started any of Arsenal’s opening five Premier League matches this season.
His opportunities have been particularly limited, with the 28-year-old forward playing just 29 minutes in the competition so far.
For Beya, however, the match against Leeds could represent the right moment for Arteta to change that.
“I think he will start,” Beya said during talkSPORT Breakfast.
His confidence in Gyokeres is also supported by the striker’s record against Leeds last season.
Gyokeres scored three goals across two meetings with Leeds, finding the net twice at home and once away.
That previous record, combined with his current international form, gives Beya reason to believe Gyokeres deserves an opportunity from the first minute.
The key factors behind the argument include:
- Gyokeres has scored regularly for Sweden during the international break.
- He scored three goals against Leeds last season.
- He has yet to start a Premier League game for Arsenal this campaign.
- Kai Havertz is now dealing with a fitness concern.
Havertz Fitness Issue Could Open the Door
Kai Havertz injury concern during the international break could have a direct impact on Arsenal’s attacking options.
The German forward had been among the players capable of occupying the central attacking position, but his latest fitness issue has created uncertainty ahead of the Leeds match.
That situation could give Gyokeres a clearer route into Arteta’s starting XI.
Beya also rejected the idea that Mikel Merino should automatically move into the striker position.
The Arsenal content creator praised Merino’s finishing ability but argued that Gyokeres should be given the opportunity to build confidence.
“I like Merino, I think he is the best finisher at the club, but for his confidence, Gyokeres has to start,” Beya said.
He added that failing to start Gyokeres against Leeds, despite his international form, could raise questions about the striker’s long-term prospects at Arsenal.
Gyokeres Arrives Back in London in Strong Form
While Gyokeres has yet to score in the Premier League for Arsenal this season, his performances for Sweden during the international break have offered an encouraging contrast.
The striker played in four UEFA Nations League matches and scored in every one of them.
Sweden collected 10 points from a possible 12 during that run, with Gyokeres playing an important role in their attacking output.
That form could provide the confidence needed for the striker to make a bigger impact at club level.
For Arsenal, the challenge is turning that international sharpness into Premier League production.
Gyokeres now has the chance to show Arteta that his finishing ability can translate into important performances for the Gunners.
Is It Too Early to Judge Gyokeres at Arsenal?
Despite the lack of Premier League goals so far this season, Andy Brassell of talkSPORT believes it would be unfair to conclude that Gyokeres has failed at Arsenal.
His main argument is simple: the striker has barely been given enough Premier League football to make a fair judgment.
“We can talk about his struggles. But actually, what opportunity has he really had so far?” Brassell said.
Gyokeres has played only around half an hour in the league this season, making strong conclusions about his ability difficult.
Brassell believes the limited playing time should be taken into consideration before judging the Swedish forward.
That perspective could also strengthen the argument for giving Gyokeres a start against Leeds.
A starting appearance would provide him with a significantly larger opportunity to influence the game rather than trying to make an impact during a short substitute appearance.
Gyokeres Offers Arsenal a Different Option
Brassell also pointed out that Gyokeres enjoyed a respectable first season in the Premier League.
Although his numbers have not matched what he produced during his time with Sporting CP, the striker has offered Arsenal another type of attacking option.
His physical presence and ability to operate as a central forward give Arteta another way to approach matches.
Brassell even compared Gyokeres’ early Premier League adaptation with Didier Drogba’s first two seasons in England, suggesting that elite strikers do not necessarily establish themselves immediately.
However, patience cannot last forever.
For Gyokeres, the next step is producing decisive moments when he receives opportunities.
Leeds Could Be a Defining Opportunity
The meeting with Leeds could therefore become an important moment in Gyokeres’ Arsenal career.
He has already demonstrated his goalscoring ability for Sweden during the international break and has a strong scoring record against Leeds from last season.
Now, the question is whether Arteta will reward that form with a place in the starting XI.
There is also a clear expectation surrounding what must happen if Gyokeres gets the opportunity.
Brassell believes the striker ultimately has to score important goals in Premier League matches and major Champions League fixtures if he wants to change perceptions.
That makes the Leeds fixture particularly intriguing.
For Arteta, it is a decision about team selection. For Gyokeres, it could be a chance to turn limited opportunities into a genuine claim for a regular starting role.
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