Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres is not up to it physically in the Premier League at the moment, according to Jamie Redknapp, after the forward's summer transfer to Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres did not impress everyone(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
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Viktor Gyokeres has not been good enough for Arsenal since his big-money move in the summer, according to Jamie Redknapp. The former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder was left unconvinced by the striker's performance against Everton.
Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to earn Arsenal three points away to the Toffees. It was the Swede's fifth Premier League goal of the season and his first since November 1.
Against Everton, Gyokeres took penalty duties from Bukayo Saka to find the net and Redknapp reckons it has otherwise been a struggle for the former Sporting CP goalscorer. The pundit does not believe the Arsenal star is coping physically.
"He did okay, it’s a struggle for him at the moment, I think he’s finding it hard up there," Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
"It’s his fifth goal of the season… for whatever reason, and it shouldn’t be the case because he’s been in the English leagues before, it looks like he’s really struggling with the physicality of it.
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"Considering he’s a very big guy, I very rarely see him win a duel one on one, when I thought he could physically overpower people. In terms of his finesse, his touch, bringing people into play – not good enough.
"He’s finding it tough. He needs a little bit of confidence. Look, he’s never going to be like a Bergkamp who is going to bring the ball, roll people and play little clever passes, he’s a battering ram who is going to score goals, make big moments and hopefully win you games.
"You can argue that tonight, yes, he won the game but he won it with a penalty. You want to see him win games with really important goals that are going to make the difference in the big games.
Viktor Gyokeres was on target for Arsenal against Everton
Viktor Gyokeres was on target for Arsenal against Everton
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"At the moment, he’s done okay, I don’t think you can say anything more than that."
For Gyokeres' part, he seemed unconcerned that his goal came from 12 yards. "It's a few that can take it and this time it was me that took it. It was important to score that one. It was nice," he said following Arsenal's win.
"You always want to score goals. That's the main target every game for attacking players. That's what we want to do. Today we could've scored a few more but the most important is we won the game.
"I think I try to do my best always on the pitch and of course you have to get to know the system and how we play and get to know the role and adapt to that. We're playing quite well. We're in a good position in the league and Champions League, so carry on like this."
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