Published: 07:00 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 12:16 BST, 1 September 2026
Just ask Aaron Ramsdale or, most recently, Gabriel Martinelli, the pair having been moved on after losing their starting spots.
The needs of the team supersede feelings or perceived fairness.
Viktor Gyokeres is feeling that wrath right now, having failed to come off the bench once again.
It’s a second consecutive match without appearing, only mustering a run out in the 74th minute of Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
On paper, Gyokeres’ 21 goals across all competitions last season makes the absence of minutes an unusual case.
It is further emphasised after the display of Kai Havertz on Monday night against Aston Villa, an ineffective showing masked by the Gunners’ victory.
The German consistently reminded viewers just why the north London club have been linked with Alvarez, fans desperate for an attacking addition before the window closes.
It’s a second consecutive match without appearing for Viktor Gyokeres, only mustering a run out in the 74th minute of Arsenal ’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City
Havertz's performance in general lacked the composure of a leading Premier League team’s striker, marked by clunky play and an ineffectiveness around the goal frame
On 14 minutes, having been played through by Martin Odegaard, Havertz struck the ball well wide while in the area.
He ought to have done better — and it got worse. Substitute Bruno Guimaraes set the forward free in the second period, yet he could only strike straight at Zion Suzuki.
His performance in general lacked the composure of a leading Premier League team’s striker, marked by clunky play and an ineffectiveness around the goal frame.
All this emphasised Gyokeres’ failure to come off the bench, falling out of favour so badly to not have been turned to by Arteta.
The decision was a surprise and almost a nudge to the ownership ahead of deadline day.
