Alan Shearer has weighed up on Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal Premier League debut which was during their win against Man United.
The Gunners won 1-0 at Old Trafford to open their Premier League season. Mikel Arteta will be pleased that his side managed to pick up all three points, but there were certainly signs of room for improvement during the game.
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It could be argued that United were the more threatening team on the day, but in the end, it was Arsenal’s excellent set piece record that saves Arteta’s side, with a goal from Riccardo Calafiori.
The big question mark about Arsenal this season is how well new striker Viktor Gyokeres will integrate, with many believing that a top number nine would propel them to the Premier League title. However, the Swedish striker managed just three touches of the ball against United, which wasn’t his ideal start.
Shearer says Arsenal shouldn’t judge Gyokeres yet
The game against Man United wasn’t just a poor attacking performance from Gyokeres, it was poor from virtually every attacking player, as Gyokeres hardly had any service into the box.
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer said that Arsenal fans shouldn’t judge Gyokeres yet, and that it could take him some time to get used to life in North London under Arteta.
Shearer said on the Rest is Football Podcast: “It was a tough afternoon for him, and we can’t judge him yet, he’s going to need time to adjust.
“Obviously across the ground, he’s really really quick, looks really strong and powerful, but he hardly had any touches in and around the 18 yard box. He’s going to have to get used to a different style of play with Arsenal.”
Furthermore, Gary Lineker also agreed with Shearer, saying that it wasn’t necessarily a bad performance from Gyokeres, rather it was a quiet afternoon for the Gunners in general.
Lineker added: “It was a tough start for him, Arsenal weren’t really free flowing at all, they were miles below their best. They didn’t offer much going forward. That happens to a striker sometimes.”
Click here to see Arsenal’s first team squad after the first game of the season.