Alan Shearer put Viktor Gyokeres under the microscope when analysing Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners had the chance to record a perfect weekend of Premier League action, but only got the job 50% done.
A win against Nottingham Forest would’ve taken Arsenal nine points clear at the top of the table on a matchweek that saw Manchester City and Aston Villa lose.
Instead, the narrative was how poor Arsenal’s attack was against Forest, as Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to convert their chances, with yet another disappointing Gyokeres performance.
Who was Arsenal’s most disappointing player vs Nottingham Forest?
Alan Shearer was surprised by Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal’s draw against Nottingham Forest
Gyokeres had a very good game against Chelsea in the FA Cup, giving many fans hope that it was a turning point for the Swede.
Instead, the 27-year-old headed to the City Ground and fluffed his lines once more, lasting only 57 minutes before being hooked.
10 touches, no shots on target and only four completed passes rounded off Gyokeres’ outing on the Trent, but he still managed to surprise Alan Shearer.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted that he was disappointed when watching the Arsenal striker, focusing on the moment that Gyokeres went one-versus-one against Murillo.
“Gyokeres, I thought, was disappointing, didn’t offer enough,” Shearer began.
“There was a time in the first half where he was one-on-one with Murillo. I thought, go on, knock the ball across him and make him foul you, but he just couldn’t get away from him.
“He looked very leggy. I was really surprised at how he let the defender control the situation rather than the other way round.”
It was such a frustrating moment as, when served the exact situation that he thrived in last season, Gyokeres looked like a shadow of the player Sporting CP had.
Gyokeres vs Murillo was a telling moment
Gyokeres had his moment to shine served to him on a platter, but he didn’t feast.
Is it time to drop Viktor Gyokeres, if so, who comes in?
It was a telling moment, as even the most optimistic Arsenal fans watched the summer signing move unconvincingly, allowing Murillo to take control of the situation.
It sounds harsh, but the Premier League is brutal, and after what was seen at the City Ground, it became clearer than ever that Gyokeres just isn’t the goalscorer Arsenal can rely on in the title race.
Given that the Swede scored 54 goals last season for Sporting CP, it’s wild to state that the striker isn’t a reliable source of goals, but right now, he just isn’t.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
