Alan Shearer gives crystal clear verdict on Viktor Gyokeres after start at Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres scored his third goal in three Premier League games during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, earning praise from Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer reckons that Viktor Gyokeres will score a ‘shed load of goals’ this season – but only if his Arsenal team-mates continue to supply him with good service. Gyokeres, 27, bagged his third goal in as many games on Saturday, as the Gunners put Nottingham Forest to the sword and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Emirates.

The Swedish striker had a simple finish for his second-half strike thanks to Eberechi Eze’s first assist in an Arsenal shirt. Gyokeres was quiet in the first half, but when the Gunners came out of the blocks quickly and caught Forest cold, he produced the goods for Mikel Arteta’s side.

That’s why Shearer has urged Arsenal’s creative players to speed up their play for their new £64million man. “I think to get the best out of him, he’s going to need early balls into the box,” Shearer told Premier League Productions. “It’s a wonderful ball over the top, but the hardest part is for the winger to put that on a plate for Gyokeres, first-time ball, early ball, that’s exactly what he demands.

“If Arsenal continue to do that… they still didn’t get the balance right as I said at half-time, but I thought it was a little bit better in the second half when [Riccardo] Calafiori whipped one or two early balls in. He’ll get a shed load of goals if they keep on getting balls into the box early.”

READ MORE: Alan Shearer sends Arsenal blunt message after latest injury – ‘No sympathy’READ MORE: Arsenal crowd reaction to Noni Madueke speaks volumes after brutal transfer petition

Post-match, Gyokeres was asked if he feels settled in north London after less than two months as an Arsenal player. “It feels great, the guys in the team have been amazing,” the 27-year-old replied. “It’s been so easy to get into the group. But, of course, there is a bit of time where you have to settle in with everything around.”

Saturday’s game also saw two goals from Martin Zubimendi, a fellow new signing like Gyokeres and Eze. Noni Madueke also impressed on the right wing, as did centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

How do you rate Viktor Gyokeres’ start at Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section.

Asked about the impact of his new arrivals, Arteta replied: “I have no question in terms of what we want and dressing room and feeling part of that or the support that we’re going to have from our people, no question. But then things have to click and go well for you in the first instances.

“We have tried to create the right environment for them and the quality is there. I’m very glad that’s so early already. You can see that they’re going to add so much value to the team.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.