Premier League legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have delivered a frank assessment of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, identifying a specific tactical issue they believe is hindering his impact at the Emirates.
Struggles in Front of Goal
The Swedish international, who joined the Gunners last summer, has found goals hard to come by this season. His lack of confidence was evident even during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Brighton last weekend, despite him scoring a penalty in that match.
Gyokeres missed a significant chance just minutes into the game, directing a tame shot straight at goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The 27-year-old had two further opportunities from close range but failed to convert before being substituted in the 71st minute.
The Expert Analysis: A Question of Movement
Speaking on their popular Rest Is Football podcast, the former England strikers dissected Gyokeres's performances. Lineker stated he has been watching the forward closely and identified a key difference between him and the world's elite goalscorers.
"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. "As a striker you've got to gamble on where you think the ball might go."
He used Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a positive example, highlighting a recent goal where the striker anticipated a near-post cross. Lineker contrasted this with Gyokeres's current approach, noting that prolific scorers like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Robert Lewandowski constantly make these speculative runs.
Shearer Dismisses Wingers as an Excuse
The conversation turned to whether Arsenal's inverted wingers, like the right-footed Bukayo Saka playing on the right, were complicating service for Gyokeres. Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer was quick to dismiss this as a major problem.
"I think it's a lot easier when you've got someone that is right-footed, playing on the right," Shearer conceded. "But in this case, I think Saka can go both ways... that doesn't stop you gambling or making that first movement."
Shearer emphasised resilience, arguing that a striker cannot afford to get disheartened if a run isn't found. "If 10 balls come in and you get one of them, fine, you've done your job, it could be the winner," he added.
Both pundits agreed that the necessary understanding between Gyokeres and his teammates has not yet fully developed. Shearer referenced analysis he did earlier in the season, stating "Arsenal have to get used to him and he has to get used to them, that hasn't quite happened yet."
Lineker concluded by referencing Erling Haaland's philosophy, where the Manchester City star takes pleasure from scoring a winner after making 30 or 40 unrewarded runs. The clear message to Gyokeres is a simple one: keep making the runs, and the rewards will follow.
