Viktor Gyökeres was finally handed his first Arsenal start of the season against Napoli.
It was not the opportunity he would have wanted.
The Sweden international managed only nine touches and no shots in 73 minutes as Arsenal earned a 1-0 Champions League victory in Naples.
Mikel Arteta eventually replaced Gyökeres with Kai Havertz before Martin Ødegaard scored Arsenal’s winner.
Now another decision awaits against Sunderland.
Gyokeres struggles to make Arsenal impact
Gyökeres’ numbers underline how disconnected he became from Arsenal’s attack.
TalkSPORT reported that the £63million striker finished his 73-minute appearance with nine touches and failed to register a shot.
Arsenal dominated possession for long periods but struggled to consistently find their centre-forward in dangerous areas.
That was reflected in ReadArsenal’s player ratings from Naples, where Gyökeres received a 5.5 after failing to impose himself against Napoli’s centre-backs.
His difficulties are not necessarily simply an individual problem.
European football journalist Kevin Hatchard argued that Arsenal’s controlled possession game does not naturally maximise a striker whose greatest strengths come when attacking space quickly.
That presents Arteta with an increasingly interesting tactical question.
Havertz pushes for Sunderland return
Havertz has started all three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season.
ReadArsenal highlighted after the Chelsea victory how Havertz had strengthened his position ahead of Gyökeres in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.
The German was rested from the start in Naples as Arsenal managed his minutes.
Gyökeres had the chance to put pressure on him but struggled to take it.
Saturday’s visit to Sunderland therefore presents Arteta with another choice.
Gyökeres remains a dangerous alternative and scored 21 times during his first Arsenal season.
But after Havertz impressed against Chelsea and offered more movement from the bench in Naples, the German appears well placed to reclaim his Premier League starting spot.
Supporters can find the Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off details ahead of Saturday night’s game.
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