Alan Shearer tells Noni Madueke how he can make Viktor Gyokeres so much better at Arsenal

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Alan Shearer has urged Noni Madueke to start getting crosses into Viktor Gyokeres much earlier, which could help to unlock the Arsenal striker.

Madueke and Gyokeres both had a frustrating first half in Lisbon as the Gunners struggled to find a way past the hosts’ back-line.

How do you RATE Viktor Gyokeres’ first season at Arsenal👀

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Arsenal and Sporting headed into the break in the Champions League with the game goalless following a cagey first 45 minutes.

During the game, the former Premier League striker spoke about how Mikel Arteta’s team could get more from their number 14, and it involved Madueke.

Alan Shearer frustrated with Noni Madueke vs Sporting

Alan Shearer became frustrated with Noni Madueke against Sporting CP as the winger kept taking too many touches instead of playing the quick ball onto Viktor Gyokeres.

The Arsenal striker failed to reach double figures for touches on his return to his former club, but received very little service from his teammates.

During the match, Shearer urged Madueke to start looking for the striker much sooner after a moment where he opted to go for the cutback instead of whipping in a cross.

Shearer told Prime Video Sports: “We were talking before the game about Gyokeres’ form, and whether they’re still working out how to get the best from him. I mentioned getting balls into the box early.

“This is a perfect example, that ball can go in then, but he doesn’t need to stop, he doesn’t need to take another touch. He’s worked himself into Madueke; that ball has to go in.

Madueke failed to complete a single cross during the first half, despite attempting four against Sporting.

“There was just no need to take an extra touch and create the extra yard. You’ve got the space in front of you, you’ve got the chance to whip it in. That’s what you want and need as a forward. It allows the defenders to get back in.”

Arsenal have not really played to Gyokeres’ strengths during his time in North London, and Tuesday’s first half was another strong example of this.