Ray Parlour has moved to defend much-discussed striker Viktor Gyökeres, insisting Arsenal supporters must show patience as the forward adapts to the demands of playing for a title-chasing Premier League club, while also addressing the club’s growing injury concerns and the likelihood of January transfer business.

Despite scrutiny over Gyökeres’ output, Parlour does not believe there should be concerns about the Swede failing to fit into Mikel Arteta’s side, pointing instead to the depth of attacking options now available.

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“Not really,” Parlour told Hayters in his role as an ambassador for NetBet Sports Betting. “There are more options for Mikel now if he’s not on form. Kai Havertz is back, Gabriel Jesus is already playing again, and Mikel Merino has shown he’s a great backup when he steps into the front line. Even Leandro Trossard can do a job there, so there are plenty of options up front.”

Parlour feels the criticism of Gyökeres ignores the scale of the challenge he has taken on since arriving in north London.

“He’s made a big step up,” he said. “When you go to Arsenal, you’re going to another level. The pressure’s on you straight away. It’s a tougher league and you’re playing for a club expected to win the title.”

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Drawing comparisons, Parlour highlighted David Raya’s successful transition as an example of how difficult that step can be. “At Arsenal, you can’t afford mistakes. There’s far more pressure, and Gyökeres is no different,” he explained.

While acknowledging the striker needs to add goals, Parlour stressed the importance of time, confidence and understanding with teammates, something that is hard to build amid a relentless schedule.

“He just needs a few more goals and that belief,” Parlour said. “You’ve got to learn what runs he makes and what his instincts are. That comes from work on the training ground, but it’s difficult when you’re playing three matches a week and trying to avoid more injuries.”

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Parlour drew on his own Arsenal era to underline the point, referencing the slow starts of club legends. “Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires didn’t start like that. They all needed time to adapt to English football and to each other. When it clicked, there was no stopping them.”

Injuries, however, remain a major concern. Parlour admitted he has rarely seen a list like Arsenal’s current one.

“All these games are more taxing on the body,” he said. “Ben White picking up a hamstring injury after working so hard to get fit again is so harsh. Suddenly you’re without Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Mosquera, Calafiori through suspension, and midfielders are having to drop in. What next?”

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Despite those setbacks, Parlour is unconvinced Arsenal will dip heavily into the January transfer market.

“I’d be amazed if they can after spending so much in the summer,” he admitted. “And do they need to? The squad is so strong, even with injuries. With players like Havertz and big Gabriel not far off returning, they should be strong enough. That said, Arsenal are never shy to spend if the right player becomes available, so nothing would surprise me.”