Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has blasted Arsenal for their new £63 million signing Viktor Gyokeres, calling for supporters to temper their enthusiasm following the striker's lacklustre introduction to English football.
The 46-year-old pundit delivered his assessment after watching the Swedish forward's Premier League debut at Old Trafford on Sunday, where Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
The former England international revealed he was underwhelmed after observing Gyokeres in action, noting that the striker departed the pitch in the second half without managing a single attempt on goal.
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"Calm down," Ferdinand stated on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, addressing the heightened expectations surrounding the 27-year-old's arrival from Sporting Lisbon.
Rio Ferdinand has not been happy with Viktor Gyokeres
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Ferdinand questioned whether the forward's display justified his substantial transfer fee, particularly given the opposition's struggles.
"I haven't seen enough to warrant his [price tag] given his performance against a dysfunctional Man United. 100 per cent, I didn't see it," he declared.
The pundit, who has watched Gyokeres perform on two previous occasions, offered tactical observations about the player's strengths and potential role at Arsenal.
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He identified channel running as an area where the Swede appears comfortable and physically suited, while acknowledging the need for improved fitness levels.
Ferdinand emphasised that Gyokeres would ultimately be assessed on his ability to convert opportunities created by Arsenal's creative players, particularly the productive partnership between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
Ferdinand's scepticism was echoed by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might sideline his expensive acquisition when facing top-tier opposition.
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Viktor Gyokeres did not live up to expectations during his Premier League opener
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During his Sky Sports analysis, Carragher predicted that whilst Gyokeres would find the net regularly throughout the campaign - following his remarkable 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last term - the striker could find himself on the bench for crucial fixtures.
"If I'm being honest, I think they go back to Havertz in the biggest games, I think that will be the case. I can see Gyokeres playing and scoring goals," Carragher explained.
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The former defender insisted that Kai Havertz's significance to Arteta's system would prevent his exclusion from major encounters.
Gary Neville offered a contrasting perspective, expressing surprise at Carragher's suggestion that the Swedish international could be dropped for significant matches.
"He can't leave Gyokeres out of big games," Neville responded, though Carragher maintained his stance, insisting: "He can".
Jamie Carragher believes the striker may be left out of big games
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The former Manchester United defender proposed an alternative approach for Arteta, suggesting the Spanish manager might deploy both forwards simultaneously.
Neville highlighted Gabriel Martinelli's recent difficulties and advocated for experimenting with a partnership between Gyokeres and Havertz.
"Arsenal needed a centre forward and brought one in, I saw glimpses that made me think he'll be a handful," Neville observed, indicating his belief that the new signing could prove valuable despite Ferdinand's reservations.