Alan Smith strongly believes that Viktor Gyokeres has underperformed this season; however, his Arsenal teammates have not helped him.
The Arsenal striker has had a mixed debut campaign, netting 18 goals in 47 appearances for the Gunners this term.
Gyokeres is close to becoming Mikel Arteta’s most prolific Arsenal goalscorer ever, with just two more goals needed to catch Bukayo Saka’s tally of 20.
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Gyokeres has produced plenty of big moments for Arsenal this season, so it will be tough to pin the blame on him were the Gunners to end the season trophyless.
There is a sense that Gyokeres should have delivered so much more though, and Smith believes that he is not the one to blame for his mixed form.
Alan Smith says Arsenal’s attack is not good enough
Alan Smith believes that Arsenal’s attack is not good enough to win the Premier League, especially compared to Manchester City’s.
The former Arsenal star believes that Saka has had a poor season, and he has also questioned the performances of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
When asked whether he agrees Arsenal’s attack isn’t good enough, Smith told Sky Sports: “Yeah, I do.
“Listen, Bukayo Saka is a top, top player. He’s not had the best of seasons. He’s been injured as well. But it’s an unusual situation.
“If Arsenal were to win the league, you know, we always compile teams of the season. None of the strikers would be in it, and that is unusual.
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“You look at City’s front three, front four with Semenyo. I mean, what a signing he’s been. Cherki, a brilliant player, in the way that’s managed him. Haaland, Doku. It’s a more threatening attack than Arsenal’s.
“You know, Martinelli now. Will it be time for him to leave? Trossard’s a reliable player, but, you know, not maybe in Semenyo’s league.”
Arsenal have not got the best out of Viktor Gyokeres
Smith did leap to the defence of Viktor Gyokeres, who he claims Arsenal have not got the best from this season.
The former striker is adamant that the team have not played to his strengths and questioned why they signed him in the first place.
“Gyokeres is a whole different story. I just don’t think they’ve got the most out of him, the best out of him. They’ve not played to his strengths,” Smith added.
“It’s been a frustrating first season for him, but he’s better than he’s shown. But if you’re going to buy a player like him, you have got to adjust slightly, and I don’t think Arsenal have.”
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