Alan Shearer delivers new Viktor Gyokeres verdict as Arsenal statement issued

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been praised by Alan Shearer after impressing in midweek against Olympiacos with the Swede also backed by Mikel Arteta

Alan Shearer has lavished praise on Viktor Gyokeres’ contribution during Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over Olympiacos on Wednesday evening. Strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka secured a commanding victory in the Champions League for Mikel Arteta’s outfit, who built upon Sunday’s thrilling 2-1 success at Newcastle United.

Arsenal’s triumph preserved their flawless record in Europe’s premier tournament, positioning them favourably for qualifying for the knockout stages. Gyokeres couldn’t find the net against Olympiacos but delivered an encouraging display and proved instrumental in Martinelli’s opener.

There will be optimism in north London that the Gunners’ expensive summer acquisition from Sporting can find the scoresheet more consistently to help end Arsenal’s five-year silverware drought.

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Former Newcastle United striker Shearer has commended Gyokeres for his contribution in Wednesday’s victory – expressing his view that the Swede poses a genuine menace.

“I thought Gyokeres did well with his running in behind – didn’t get his goal, but just his running in behind,” Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast.

“He set up the first one for Martinelli when he went behind, and he was a bit unlucky when he hit the post and it came out for a tap-in, but the way he smashed the centre-half off with his body and great strength.

“I thought he looked a threat. Arsenal are looking really good.”

Arteta has supported Gyokeres to demonstrate his value despite five matches without finding the net. “What I sense is that he’s doing better and better things every game,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He was denied a few times with blocks, and then he hit the post, but I think overall his performance was exceptional.

“Again, his work was really good, and yeah, we want him to be scoring goals, but if he doesn’t do that, at least to do everything as he’s doing for the team, because he’s helping the team a lot.”

The Gunners host struggling West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, where Arsenal supporters will be hoping the floodgates might finally open for Gyokeres.

Arteta added: “I don’t know, but hopefully, yes, and hopefully it will be on Saturday.”

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