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Pundit lauds Arsenal’s Gyokeres after win over Atletico

By on October 23, 2025

arsenal gyokeres

Former forward turned pundit Paul Merson has praised Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres following his excellent performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

After joining the Gunners from Sporting CP this summer, the 27-year-old displayed a below-average debut performance against Manchester United in the opening Premier League fixture.

However, he scored a brace vs Leeds United in the second league game, and it was thought that he would kick on from there. But, following that, he only managed to score once in nine appearances across all competitions.

The forward even failed to find the back of the net in seven consecutive matches before netting a brace vs Los Rojiblancos on Tuesday. Now, speaking on Sky Sports (via Metro), Merson says that Arsenal were excellent against Los Rojiblancos, and Gyokeres’ brace capped off a perfect night.

The Swede was anonymous in the first half but sprang to life in the second. Scoring is always important for strikers, but he is not a player who only cares about personal glory; rather, he is a team player, and players like him are required in every team.

Merson said:

“As a centre-forward you want to score goals even though you’re working hard and the crowd are clapping everything he does. First half, nine touches and not one in the box, that’s a worry. But come the second half, you know what I like? He just keeps on going and going, he ain’t all about himself, he’s about the team.

“If he gets the ball down the channel he’ll play the easy ball for the team, he won’t try and cut inside and have a 30-yard shot that’s never, ever going to go in. Good team player, for me, you’d want him on your team.”

Pundit lauds Gyokeres

Following Tuesday’s brace, Gyokeres’ goal tally now stands at five in 12 appearances across all competitions. He was one of the highest scorers in Europe over the last two seasons, but he has had a slow start by his standards.

The 27-year-old didn’t take part in pre-season training this summer as he was on strike at Sporting CP in an effort to force a move to the Emirates Stadium. As a result, he has been short of fitness during the first few weeks of this season.

However, he has looked sharper in recent matches and is expected to regain his form soon. The 27-year-old has been playing almost every game as Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been out injured. Once they return, Mikel Arteta will be able to manage Gyokeres’ minutes, which might bring the best out of him.