What Did Alan Shearer Predict for Viktor Gyokeres After Arsenal's Win Over Nottingham Forest?

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's summer signing, has been backed by football legend Alan Shearer to have a prolific season in front of goal. However, Shearer emphasises the importance of providing Gyokeres with early service to maximise his scoring potential.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Alan Shearer believes early balls into the box are crucial for Viktor Gyokeres' success.
• Gyokeres scored his third Premier League goal in a recent match against Nottingham Forest.
• Shearer highlighted the need for improved teamwork between wingers and the striker.
• Arsenal’s play needs to be quicker to create more scoring opportunities for Gyokeres.
• Shearer pointed out the importance of timing and understanding in attacking play.

Gyokeres' Performance Overview

In Arsenal's recent 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Viktor Gyokeres struggled to make a significant impact during the first half. However, he quickly turned the tide after the break, scoring just one minute into the second half from a low cross by teammate Eberechi Eze. This goal marked his third in the Premier League this season, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Gunners.

Shearer's Analysis

Shearer, during a discussion on Premier League Productions, expressed his belief that Gyokeres has the ability to score "a shed load of goals" if given the right support. He pointed out that for the striker to flourish, Arsenal must focus on delivering early balls into the box. "To get the best out of him, he needs early service," Shearer explained. His insights reflect a deeper understanding of a striker's needs, particularly in fast-paced matches.

Early Service is Key

Shearer elaborated on the critical nature of timing in football. He stated, "I highlighted at half time when they have too many touches perhaps, this [Eze’s assist] is a great example of not doing that." The need for quick, decisive passes is essential, especially for a player like Gyokeres, whose strengths lie in making runs into the box.

The Balance Between Wingers and Strikers

While discussing the dynamics of the team, Shearer noted the importance of balance in attacking play. He remarked, "There’s no need for him to come short," suggesting that Gyokeres should position himself to receive the ball in scoring areas rather than dropping deep. He also acknowledged the need for wingers to understand when to deliver the ball early, saying, "If you know that and you’ve got a great understanding of who you are playing with, you can make your run early knowing that ball is coming in."

Understanding Team Dynamics

For Arsenal to optimise Gyokeres' contributions, the relationship between the wingers and the striker needs to evolve. Shearer pointed out that understanding each other's play styles is vital. With wingers like Madueke taking multiple touches, there may be missed opportunities for Gyokeres to score. The former player highlighted the necessity for the team to work on their synergy and timing to improve their performance.

Conclusion

As the Premier League season progresses, Arsenal fans will be keen to see how Gyokeres develops under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta. With Shearer's backing and the potential for improvement in early service, there is optimism that Gyokeres could indeed find the back of the net frequently. The synergy between the wingers and the striker will be crucial in achieving this goal. Can Arsenal strike the right balance to unlock Gyokeres' full potential? Only time will tell.

FAQs

How many goals has Viktor Gyokeres scored this season?

Viktor Gyokeres has scored three goals in the Premier League this season, demonstrating his potential as a key striker for Arsenal.

What did Alan Shearer say about Gyokeres’ performance?

Alan Shearer praised Gyokeres' potential but stressed the need for early service into the box to maximise his goal-scoring opportunities.

Why is early service important for strikers like Gyokeres?

Early service allows strikers to make runs into scoring positions, increasing their chances of finding the net, which is crucial for maximising goal output.

What challenges does Gyokeres face at Arsenal?

Gyokeres faces challenges in establishing synergy with the wingers and adapting to the team's playing style, which currently involves too many touches before crosses.

How can Arsenal improve their attacking play?

Arsenal can improve by focusing on quicker play and ensuring that wingers deliver early balls into the box to capitalise on Gyokeres' strengths as a striker.