“I’d also like all the Arsenal fans to say sorry” - Troy Deeney demands apology for doubts over his bold comment on 29-year-old star

Former Premier League star Troy Deeney has asked Arsenal fans to apologize to him for doubting his prediction about striker Viktor Gyokeres. He had earlier asserted that the Swede would not get more playing time than Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino this season.

Gyokeres joined Mikel Arteta's side in the summer for a reported £64 million. Following a terrific 2024-25 campaign, which saw him record 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 matches across competitions, the 27-year-old was roped in to solve the Gunners' attacking deficiency.

However, the former Sporting CP striker has not had it as easy as many would have thought. Gyokeres has managed to find the next just six times in 16 matches across competitions this seaosn.

A muscle injury in early November forced the prolific forward out of the team, with Arteta deploying Merino as the team's point man in his absence. Interestingly, Merino has made sure that Gyokeres' absence has not been felt. Playing as a false nine, the Spaniard has been productive in front of goal, turning in four goals and three assists in that period.

Gyokeres has regained fitness, but Arteta has continued with Merino as his centre-forward. This has led Deeney to demand an apology from the Arsenal faithful, as it coincides with his claim at the start of the season.

He said on BBC Sport (via Arsenal Insider):

"I would also like all the Arsenal fans to comment on this and say ‘sorry Troy, you were right again. I said at the start of the season that he and Kai Havertz would play more games than Viktor Gyokeres because they are much better footballers. That’s not a slight on Gyokeres – they just have different skillsets."

“Merino’s ability to drop in the pockets, drop in at number nine and not have a reference point for any centre-back to get near him, and of course keep scoring like in the 2-0 win over Brentford, is why he’s in the team," Deeney added.

Following his impressive performances against Chelsea and Brentford, Merino is expected to get the manager's nod ahead of Gyokores in the Gunners' next league game versus Aston Villa. So far, the Spanish midfielder has featured 20 times across competitions for the north London club this term, contributing five goals and three assists.

Arsenal will look to extend their lead at the top of the table against in-form Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta's boys will look to further extend their lead in the Premier League when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, November 6. To do this, the Gunners will have to break down an Unai Emery side that has looked formidable in recent weeks.

The Villains, who currently sit third on the log, come into the tie rich in form, having won five of their last six league games. Furthermore, they are on an impressive five-game home winning streak in the league.

However, Arsenal have also shown that they can deliver results on the road, with three wins and two draws in their last five away league matches. A win for the Gunners will see them extend their lead over second-place Manchester City to eight points, pending when the Cityzens take on Sunderland later that same day.