Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has found himself under growing scrutiny in recent weeks following a dip in form, but Premier League legend Alan Shearer has offered a measured perspective on the Swedish forward’s situation.
While the former England captain believes Gyökeres will rediscover his scoring touch sooner rather than later, he has tempered expectations by suggesting the forward will fall well short of the extraordinary goal-scoring exploits he achieved at Sporting CP last season.
After netting an incredible 54 goals in 52 games in Portugal, Gyökeres arrived in north London amid huge anticipation. However, his transition to life in the Premier League has proved more challenging than many expected.
Gyökeres made an encouraging start to his Arsenal career after his £64 million summer transfer from Sporting, scoring three goals in his first four Premier League appearances.
But the goals have since dried up, with the 27-year-old failing to score in his last seven matches across all competitions.
The frustration grew further during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, when Gyökeres missed a golden chance from close range, skying his shot over the bar.
Critics have questioned his technical ability and composure in front of goal, with some wondering if he can live up to his hefty price tag.
Despite the growing noise, Shearer remains optimistic about Gyökeres’ prospects, praising his contribution to Arsenal’s attacking dynamics even when he’s not scoring.
‘He’s not in the league of the three we showed in the previous clip [Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe], far from that,’ Shearer said on BBC’s Match of the Day, as reported by the Metro.
‘But I think he brings a different strength, there’s no doubt that he will have to improve his goalscoring, as you said, he’s only got three.
‘But one of his strengths which has suited Arsenal is he actually goes in behind. When he does that it creates space for others to play because last season you had [Kai] Havertz or [Mikel] Merino coming short and that’s easier for teams to defend against.
‘When you’re running the other way they get deeper and deeper and that then opens up space for others to play. I think from that point of view he has improved Arsenal.
‘I think he will get the goals, obviously, nowhere near as many as he got last season.
‘But he will get goals with the number of chances that Arsenal create, he will, and his numbers should improve.’
While Gyökeres may not replicate his record-breaking tally from last season, Shearer believes the Swede still has an important role to play in Arsenal’s title challenge.
The Premier League is a far tougher environment than the Portuguese top flight, but with Arteta’s system continuing to evolve and Gyökeres adapting to the pace and intensity of English football,Arsenal fans have every reason to believe that their big-money striker will soon rediscover his scoring touch.
At the moment, the Gunners are happy with his contribution without scoring goals but as a number nine, you need to find the back of the net.
