Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has delivered a scathing assessment of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, despite the forward scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton on December 20, 2025.
Redknapp's Scathing Analysis
While Gyokeres converted a crucial penalty to secure all three points for the Gunners, Redknapp was left thoroughly unimpressed with the Swedish international's overall contribution. The former Liverpool midfielder highlighted significant deficiencies in the £64 million summer signing's game, particularly when facing the physical challenge posed by Everton's defensive duo of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski.
"He did okay, it's a struggle for him at the moment, I think he's finding it hard up there," Redknapp stated during his post-match analysis. "For whatever reason, and it shouldn't be the case because he's been in the English leagues before, it looks like he's really struggling with the physicality of it."
A Struggle for Physicality
Redknapp expressed particular surprise that Gyokeres, a powerfully built 27-year-old, is failing to dominate defenders. "Considering he's a very big guy, I very rarely see him win a duel one on one, when I thought he could physically overpower people," he added.
The critique extended to the striker's technical ability. "In terms of his finesse, his touch, bringing people into play – not good enough," Redknapp declared bluntly. He acknowledged that the penalty at Goodison Park was Gyokeres' fifth Premier League goal of the season, following strikes against Leeds United (twice), Nottingham Forest, and Burnley, but suggested the forward needs to offer more.
Defining His Role at Arsenal
Redknapp attempted to define what Arsenal fans should expect from their record signing, distancing him from the club's legendary technicians. "He's never going to be like a Bergkamp who is going to bring the ball, roll people and play little clever passes," he said. "He's a battering ram who is going to score goals, make big moments and hopefully win you games."
However, he concluded with a damning verdict on the Everton performance. "You can argue that tonight, yes, he won the game but he won it with a penalty. You want to see him win games with really important goals that are going to make the difference in the big games. At the moment, he's done okay, I don't think you can say anything more than that."
The result leaves Mikel Arteta's side well-placed in the title race, but Redknapp's comments will fuel debate over whether Gyokeres can lead the line for a championship-challenging team. Arsenal's upcoming fixture list is demanding, with matches against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on December 23, followed by Premier League clashes with Brighton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and a huge encounter with Liverpool on January 8.
