Ally McCoist has defended an Arsenal player who is currently under significant pressure to start producing at the Emirates.
The Gunners are enjoying an excellent start to the new season, winning six of their opening eight Premier League matches.
This return sees Mikel Arteta’s team sat at the summit of the English top flight, with their exceptional defensive record making some of their offensive issues somewhat redundant.
These problems going forward are the only thing that is preventing everything from looking rosy in North London, as certain individuals in Arsenal’s attack are currently misfiring.
Ally McCoist says he’s seen improvement in Viktor Gyokeres this season
Arsenal spent £63 million on Viktor Gyokeres in the summer.
For this fee, it would be reasonable for the Gunners to expect the Swede to hit the ground running in N5. This certainly hasn’t happened.
Gyokeres was poor against Fulham in his most recent outing for Arteta’s side, and has scored just three goals in his first 11 appearances for his new club.
Fans are starting to question Arsenal’s investment in the player, although not everyone is down on how the number nine is performing.
Speaking on TNT Sports’ show, the Breakdown, co-commentator McCoist provided an optimistic outlook on Gyokeres’ performances so far.
“I can see an improvement from the start of the season, I can,” the Scotsman said.
“I just think he’s looked more comfortable in his position and has looked more comfortable in the team. I genuinely think he will score goals, I do.
“I think he can finish; he’s a willing runner. I can understand the scepticism, but I think he’ll continue to improve.”
Kai Havertz struggled early on at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Havertz for a similar fee to what they paid for Gyokeres, back in 2023.
The German also endured a tough start to life in North London and was arguably playing a lot worse than the former Coventry man has been in his opening few months at the Premier League club.
At this point in the 2023/24 season, Havertz had found the back of the net just once for the Gunners, and it was a pity penalty away at Bournemouth.
Of course, the ex-Chelsea star was signed primarily to be a midfielder, so his remit wasn’t merely finding the back of the net.
However, he’d been timid and ineffective at Arsenal, but eventually settled and became a very valuable squad member under Arteta.
This demonstrates that there is still plenty of time for Gyokeres to prove to be a success at the Emirates.
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