Emmanuel Adebayor has thrown down the gauntlet to Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres—demanding more "technical ability" from the striker after a rollercoaster first season in English football.
The £64 million summer signing from Sporting Lisbon has blown hot and cold, managing just five Premier League goals before the new year. But something clicked in 2025: Gyokeres has roared back with 14 goals across all competitions, propelling Arsenal to the top of the league and into the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Tuesday night's semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid saw Gyokeres deliver a masterclass. Alan Shearer called it "exceptional," while Mikel Arteta described his No. 9 as "immense" after he bullied defenders and helped set up Bukayo Saka's winner.
Adebayor—who scored 62 times in 142 games for the Gunners—acknowledges Gyokeres is improving, but he wants more. "He's a good player, a big lad who controls the ball well," Adebayor said. "But for a club like Arsenal, you have to add technical ability. Work on your first touch, your turning. That'd be a huge advantage."
The Swede has clearly been listening. Just days after the Champions League heroics, he bagged a brace in a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham. That victory, combined with Manchester City's stunning 3-3 draw at Everton, leaves Arsenal five points clear with only weeks to play.
Adebayor, who infamously played for both clubs, admits his heart wants Arsenal to end their 22-year title drought. But his head says City will find a way. "If you ask me today, I still think Man City will win it," he confessed. "But I'd love Arsenal to win it. They've been fighting for this since I was there. The defense is rock-solid. Now they just need to win their last three games."
City dropping points at Everton? Adebayor isn't fooled. "They'll come back stronger. Their manager and that squad will do everything to win their remaining games and wait for Arsenal to slip. But trust me—nothing will be easy for either side."
Arsenal's next test: a London derby against relegation-threatened West Ham. City host Brentford. The title race is crackling with tension—and Gyokeres has one last chance to prove he's not just a battering ram, but a complete striker.
