Premier League analysis: How did Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres perform? Manchester United vs Arsenal
The Premier League is finally back, and the opening weekend certainly did not disappoint.
From newly-promoted Sunderland shocking West Ham United at the Stadium of Light, to Manchester City’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers, there were plenty of twists and turns.
All eyes were firmly set on Old Trafford, though, as Manchester United and Arsenal took centre stage.
Left-back Riccardo Calafiori proved the only difference, as the Italian nodded home a trademark Declan Rice corner in the 13th minute to secure the Gunners all three points.
Despite an admirable performance, Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge of United was marked by a frustrating defeat.
There were plenty of fresh faces on display, but all the focus was on Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Big things are expected of the two centre-forwards, but how did they fare in their first competitive outings in new colours?
Benjamin Sesko cameo
Heavily linked with a move to North London this summer, Sesko ultimately signed for Manchester United in a deal worth £74million.
Unveiled at the Red Devils’ last pre-season match against Fiorentina, the 22-year-old was limited to a cameo off the bench against Arsenal.
Having moved to Manchester a little over a week ago, it is important to understand that the Slovenian will not be fully up to speed yet.
That being said, the forward showed plenty of promise in the 26 minutes he was on the pitch.
Sesko was a nuisance inside the Gunners’ box and looked a threat when on the ball.
It seemed written in the stars that the six-foot-five-inch striker would score against Arsenal, but in the end, it was not to be.
It would be unfair to judge Sesko after not even half an hour of action, but the youngster looks to be full of promise.
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Viktor Gyokeres still getting up to speed?
Jeered by the Old Trafford faithful for just under an hour, it was a tough start to life in the Premier League for Gyokeres.
Having worked under Amorim at Sporting, the United boss certainly had the Swede’s card marked.
Matthijs de Ligt was deployed to stop Arsenal’s main man, and did just that.
While the two had a physical back and forth, the Manchester United defender seemed to come out on top, winning 60% of his duels in the air and on the ground.
In comparison, Gyokeres managed to win only 17% of his aerial duels and 29% of his ground duels.
It was certainly a baptism of fire for the 27-year-old, but similarly to Sesko, it would be harsh to judge so soon.
The Swedish international only moved to the Emirates Stadium at the back end of July, and has not even had a full month in North London yet.
It should also be mentioned that Arsenal were far from their best on Sunday, as the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also struggled to make a real impact.
There were plenty of positives to take from Gyokeres’ performance, too.
The Gunners finally had a hefty presence inside the box, with the Swede able to make smart runs that Arsenal had previously lacked.
Given the North Londoners’ tricky start to the season, it may take Gyokeres some time to get up to speed, but do not write the forward off just yet.
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