Michael Owen on Viktor Gyökeres: Does Arsenal’s £64m Striker Lack the "Class" for the Big Stage?

 

​In the world of Premier League punditry, few voices carry as much weight regarding clinical finishing as Michael Owen. The former Ballon d'Or winner and England legend has recently sparked a heated debate among the Arsenal faithful by questioning the "class" and long-term suitability of the Gunners' high-profile summer signing, Viktor Gyökeres. Despite a recent resurgence in form, including a sensational brace in the North London Derby, Owen maintains that the Swedish international still has "many weaknesses" that could hinder Arsenal’s pursuit of domestic and European glory.

​The "Flat-Track Bully" Label: Owen’s Honest Assessment

​Speaking on Premier League Productions following recent fixtures in February 2026, Owen did not hold back in his critique of the 27-year-old forward. While acknowledging that Gyökeres will naturally find the net due to Arsenal’s creative dominance, Owen suggested that the striker might be a "flat-track bully."

​"Against Burnley, Nottingham Forest, or Everton, he is going to score goals. He’s in the box and he can finish," Owen stated. "But to win those games against Liverpool or in a Champions League final, you need a bit of class—and that is where he lacks."

​Owen’s argument centers on the idea that playing for Mikel Arteta’s side—currently dubbed the "best team in the world" by some—is a striker's dream. He even cheekily remarked that he could still score goals in the current Arsenal setup because of the sheer volume of chances created by players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.

​Physicality vs. Elite Movement

​One of the primary "weaknesses" highlighted by Owen and other critics is Gyökeres’ reliance on raw power over subtle movement. While his physical presence was enough to dominate the Portuguese league with Sporting CP, the Premier League’s elite defenders are proving harder to bully.

​Critics point out that Gyökeres often runs "with" defenders rather than "escaping" them. In elite-level football, the ability to create half a yard of space in a crowded penalty area is the difference between a world-class striker and a good one. Owen’s skepticism lies in whether Gyökeres can evolve beyond being a "plodder" who uses his strength to a more nuanced attacker who can unlock the tightest defenses.

​The Turning Point? The Tottenham Brace

​It hasn't all been negative, however. On February 22, 2026, Gyökeres enjoyed his finest hour in an Arsenal shirt, netting twice in a 4-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. This performance brought his season tally to 15 goals and 3 assists, inching him closer to a 20-goal involvement milestone that will trigger a €500,000 bonus payment to Sporting CP.

​Even Owen admitted that the Spurs performance was a "breakthrough," noting that the striker had finally reached double figures in the league. For many fans, this was the "Man of the Match" display they had been waiting for—a sign that the Swede is finally adapting to the pace and intensity of English football.

​Is Gyökeres the Long-Term Answer for Arteta?

​The debate now shifts to whether Mikel Arteta agrees with Owen's assessment. Despite the high investment, rumors have circulated that Arsenal officials have made informal inquiries about Julian Alvarez as a potential summer alternative. The "jury is still out" for many, and the upcoming Champions League knockout stages will be the ultimate litmus test.

​If the Champions League final were tomorrow, would Arteta start Gyökeres, or would he revert to the fluidity of Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus? According to Michael Owen, the answer to that question tells you everything you need to know about Gyökeres' current standing in the elite tier of strikers.