Premier League legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have delivered a frank assessment of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, pinpointing a key area for improvement after his challenging start to life at the Emirates.
Striker's Struggles in Front of Goal
The Swedish international, 27, has found goals hard to come by since his summer move, with his lack of confidence evident even during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Brighton last weekend. Despite scoring a penalty, Gyokeres missed a golden opportunity early on and failed to convert two other close-range chances before being substituted in the 71st minute.
With Gabriel Jesus impressing and Kai Havertz nearing a return, the pressure is mounting on Gyokeres to find form. Speaking on their popular Rest Is Football podcast, the former England strikers dissected his performances and offered crucial advice.
The Art of Anticipation in the Box
Lineker, who has watched Gyokeres closely, identified a fundamental issue with the forward's movement. "Like most strikers, he waits to see where the ball is going and then attacks the space, but that's what defenders do," Lineker explained.
He elaborated that top-level goalscorers like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Robert Lewandowski succeed by gambling. "As a striker you've got to gamble on where you think the ball might go and you go just as it's about to be crossed. So that way, you steal a march on the defender," he said.
Lineker cited Dominic Calvert-Lewin's recent goal for Leeds as a "perfect example" of this proactive, instinctive run towards the near post.
Shearer's Message on Persistence
When the discussion turned to whether Arsenal's inverted wingers – like the right-footed Bukayo Saka playing on the right – were complicating matters for Gyokeres, Shearer dismissed it as a major excuse.
"I think it's a lot easier when you've got someone that is right-footed, playing on the right. But in this case, I think Saka can go both ways," said the Newcastle icon. "That doesn't stop you gambling or making that first movement."
Shearer's clear message was about persistence. "If the ball doesn't come in then, so what, you can't then get disheartened, you have to keep going. If 10 balls come in and you get one of them, fine, you've done your job, it could be the winner."
He acknowledged that the necessary understanding between player and team "hasn't quite happened yet," but emphasised the striker must keep making those runs.
Lineker concluded by referencing Erling Haaland's mindset, noting the Manchester City star takes pleasure from scoring a winner after "30 or 40 runs he makes into space when he doesn't receive the ball." The implication for Gyokeres is clear: success at the highest level requires relentless, intelligent movement, regardless of whether the pass arrives every time.
