Former footballer and pundit Jamie Redknapp has publicly supported Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, insisting the goals will come for the Swede despite his current nine-game goalless streak.
Jamie Redknapp Backs Arsenal’s Gyokeres to End Goal Drought
Gyokeres failed to score in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, a result that sent the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.
The summer signing has now gone nine matches for both club and country without finding the net, a sharp contrast to his prolific form last season for Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 39 goals in 33 league games.
For Arsenal, he has managed only three Premier League goals so far.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp acknowledged the striker’s dip in confidence. He noted that Gyokeres appears to be overthinking his chances, a common issue for any professional when form deserts them.
“Right now, he’s just happy to hit the target,” Redknapp said. “At Sporting, it was so easy for him; every game he felt like he was going to score.”
Despite the barren run, Redknapp highlighted the positive aspects of Gyokeres’s game. He praised the striker for leading the line effectively and creating space for his teammates.
Redknapp was clear, however, that fans should not expect Gyokeres to emulate Arsenal legends of the past.
“Is he going to be a beautiful footballer, like a [Thierry] Henry or a [Dennis] Bergkamp? No,” Redknapp stated.
“He’s a battering ram. He’s going to open up spaces and occupy defenders.”
The pundit concluded that only goals can silence the growing criticism and believes it is only a matter of time before the striker rediscovers his scoring touch.
Gyokeres will have his next opportunity to end the drought when Arsenal faces Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on October 21, followed by a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on October 26.
