In a striking admission that underlines both respect and concern, Emery is said to have revealed that he has assigned three defenders with a specific brief – mark only Viktor Gyökeres throughout the game.
Emery’s Tactical Alarm Bells
Speaking in the build-up to the match, Emery hinted that Arsenal’s attacking threat has evolved significantly since the arrival of Gyökeres. While the Gunners boast creative talents across the pitch, the Villa manager believes the Swedish striker has become the focal point of everything dangerous in Arsenal’s play.
According to Emery, Gyökeres’ combination of physical power, intelligent movement, and ruthless finishing has forced Villa’s coaching staff into a rare tactical adjustment.
“Some players require special attention,” Emery reportedly said. “Gyökeres is one of them. If you give him space, if you give him freedom, he will punish you.”
That statement has now been backed up by Villa’s defensive plan: a three-man marking system, designed to crowd Gyökeres, block his runs, and prevent him from receiving the ball in central areas.
Why Gyökeres Demands Extreme Measures
Gyökeres’ impact since joining Arsenal has been impossible to ignore. Even in matches where he has not scored, his presence has reshaped opposition defences. Centre-backs are dragged out of position, full-backs are forced to tuck in, and midfielders drop deeper than usual just to limit his influence.
Emery’s decision to dedicate three defenders to one player speaks volumes. It is not just about goals; it is about control. Gyökeres’ ability to hold up play, bring others into the game, and create chaos in the box has made him Arsenal’s most feared weapon.
Villa analysts reportedly highlighted three key dangers:
- Gyökeres’ physical dominance against single markers
- His movement between centre-backs, which opens spaces for runners
- His pressing from the front, which can force costly mistakes
By assigning multiple defenders, Emery hopes to neutralise all three at once.
How Villa Plan to Execute the Marking System
Sources close to Aston Villa suggest the plan is flexible but aggressive. One centre-back will stay tight to Gyökeres at all times, while another provides immediate cover. A third defender, often stepping in from full-back or defensive midfield, is tasked with blocking passing lanes and preventing Gyökeres from turning.
The idea is simple: no clean touches, no time to think, no clear sight of goal.
However, such a strategy comes with risks. Over-committing to one player can leave gaps elsewhere, and Emery is fully aware of that.
“When you focus on one player, others can hurt you,” Emery admitted. “But football is about choosing your battles.”
What This Means for Arsenal
From Arsenal’s perspective, Emery’s plan could actually work in their favour. If three defenders are consistently drawn toward Gyökeres, space will inevitably open up for players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and the advancing full-backs.
Much will depend on whether Arsenal can exploit those spaces quickly and decisively. If the ball circulation is sharp, Villa’s defensive shape could be stretched beyond recovery. If not, Gyökeres may find himself isolated, wrestling with defenders and starved of service.
Ironically, the strategy also highlights how central Gyökeres has become to Arsenal’s identity. Opponents are no longer preparing primarily for Arsenal’s wide threats or midfield control; they are preparing for one striker.
A Measure of Respect From Emery
For Emery, who knows Arsenal well from his time in North London, this decision is rooted in respect rather than fear. He understands how quickly momentum can shift when a striker like Gyökeres is allowed to impose himself.
Assigning three defenders to one player is not something Emery does lightly. It is a calculated gamble, one that shows just how highly he rates the Arsenal forward.
“Top players change how you prepare,” Emery said. “Gyökeres is changing how teams prepare for Arsenal.”
The Battle Within the Match
As kickoff approaches, one of the most fascinating subplots will be Gyökeres versus Villa’s defensive trio. Can strength and movement overcome numbers? Or will Emery’s disciplined structure succeed in silencing Arsenal’s main threat?
Either way, the fact that Unai Emery has openly acknowledged assigning three defenders solely to Viktor Gyökeres tells its own story. Arsenal now have a striker who commands entire game plans, reshapes defensive systems, and forces elite managers into extraordinary measures.
And in modern football, there are few greater compliments than that.
