Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has launched a stinging critique of Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, branding the striker's performance in Thursday night's stalemate with Liverpool as "really poor" and ineffective.
Neville's Blunt Assessment of Gunners' Struggling Striker
The goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on 8th January 2026 was a drab affair, with Liverpool's Conor Bradley coming closest to breaking the deadlock by hitting the crossbar. Neville, analysing the match for Sky Sports, did not hold back when asked about the impact of Arsenal's Swedish international, who was substituted after 64 minutes.
"Not a surprise," Neville began. "Gyokeres has been ineffective - and that's being kind. It's been a really poor night, offering nothing. He has to do more." The former Manchester United defender's comments highlight the growing scrutiny on a player signed to provide regular goals.
The Numbers Behind the Criticism
The statistics support Neville's argument. Since his high-profile move to North London, Gyokeres has found the net only five times in the Premier League. Despite the team's strong position in the title race—they lost no ground after Manchester City also drew—the lack of a cutting edge up front was evident as Liverpool restricted them effectively at home.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has consistently defended his striker, pointing to Gyokeres's work rate and movement off the ball. In mid-December, Arteta explained that the service into the box often lacked the required precision, but insisted the "intentions were there."
Teammates Rally in Defence of Gyokeres
Gyokeres has also received public backing from within the dressing room. Midfielder Declan Rice recently highlighted the tactical challenges the striker faces. "It's tough for him, because he's got two defenders on him all game, all over him," Rice said a couple of weeks ago. He credited Gyokeres for a key role in a recent goal, emphasising his unselfish team play.
However, such defences do little to mask the primary expectation: to score goals. With the title race remaining tight, Arsenal will need more from their centre-forward in the coming weeks. The draw leaves Liverpool two points ahead of Brentford in fifth, while Arsenal will reflect on a missed opportunity to apply greater pressure at the top.
Whether Gyokeres can silence his critics, including the vocal Gary Neville, by converting his hard work into tangible goal contributions, remains one of the key questions for Mikel Arteta's side as the season progresses.
