Mikel Arteta surprised many with his starting lineup on Saturday, with the assumption being that Kai Havertz was injured.Even with the German fit, though, it was a surprise Viktor Gyökeres was on the bench against Leeds, with our manager choosing not to take advantage of his four goals during the international break.Outside of the Community Shield, the Swede didn’t play a second of club football this season while the transfer window was open.Rightly or wrongly, the assumption was that Arsenal didn’t want to risk injuring a sellable asset just in case they were able to bring in a new attacker.Ruthless by his employers, considering he’s only been in North London for a year and the lengths he went to force his exit from Portugal, yet business-wise, it makes sense.Gambling with someone’s self-belief seemed like an unnecessary risk, especially when no new attacking signing arrived, but at least you could see the logic.It’s only after this weekend that you’re starting to think it could be personal.Has Arteta lost faith in Gyökeres?Our manager has a history of washing his hands of talent the moment they don’t suit his ethos, and there’s a possibility our boss has lost faith in his striker.Why else wouldn’t the Spaniard want to capitalise on the 28-year-old making Nations League history, becoming the first man to score in seven consecutive fixtures in the competition?It’s not like he would be replacing someone scoring lots. I know Havertz has other qualities, but this was a game where you could have benefited from someone finding his mojo with his country.To risk undermining that seems like a gamble that doesn’t need to be taken, especially with our front line already weaker than last season.Compare the Gunners’ offensive weapons to Man City’s. Can we really afford to be freezing out a forward?A coach’s job is to get the best out of the resources he has.(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)Why can’t Arsenal get the best out of Gyökeres?Sweden play two up front, giving the Gunner licence to move where he wants with freedom.His peers get the ball up quickly to him, with Graham Potter trusting him to take responsibility.At club level, build-up play is slower. He has to stay more central, he’s micro-managed, and he’s more likely to face defences with a deep block, meaning less space.No one is asking the champions to build their tactics around one man, but if someone has spent the last three weeks showing what he can do when a team plays to his strengths, then why not see if that can be translated domestically?It’s not like we’re on fire in that area, and it could cost us everything given how short we are in that position.Surely he starts on Tuesday?If not, then it’s personal.Unless Andrea Berta has something up his sleeve for January, how we treat Gyökeres could decide the title race.Dan SmithGooners, is Arteta simply managing Gyökeres carefully, or has our manager already lost faith in the striker? Join the debate in the Just Arsenal comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsGyökeres Keeps Scoring, So Why Won’t Arteta Trust Him? – Opinion12 October 2026, 22:45Former Gunner wants Arteta to give more rest to key Arsenal man12 October 2026, 21:30More clubs join Rangers in race for exciting Arsenal teenager12 October 2026, 20:15The post Gyökeres Keeps Scoring, So Why Won’t Arteta Trust Him? – Opinion appeared first on Just Arsenal News.