Alan Shearer Questions Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal Role Despite Atletico Brace

Alan Shearer urges Viktor Gyokeres to improve overall impact despite brace in Arsenal’s 4-0 Champions League win.

Arsenal delivered a dominant second-half performance to crush Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League. However, Alan Shearer comments on Viktor Gyokeres after the match drew just as much attention as the emphatic scoreline.

Despite scoring twice in the second half, Viktor Gyokeres came under scrutiny from Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who raised concerns about the striker’s lack of first-half involvement. Gyokeres had only nine touches before halftime, which Shearer described as “pretty alarming” for a forward leading the line at home.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

The first half proved cagey, with Atletico Madrid frustrating Arsenal’s attack and closing off central spaces. But Mikel Arteta’s side came alive after the break. Gabriel Magalhães opened the scoring with a towering header from a Declan Rice corner, before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead following a slick one-touch move.

Viktor Gyokeres then found his rhythm, scoring twice in quick succession to secure Arsenal’s third consecutive Champions League win. His brace ended an eight-game goal drought and marked the Gunners’ 100th European victory in the competition.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Shearer gave a mixed verdict:

“You can’t ignore the goals,” he said. “But nine touches in a half for a centre-forward at home is worrying. Strikers at this level must link play, create movement, and stay involved.”

Alan Shearer Viktor Gyokeres analysis didn’t question the Swede’s finishing but rather his fit within Arteta’s pressing and possession-heavy system. Shearer suggested Gyokeres must improve his link-up play and off-ball movement to become a complete striker.

Mikel Arteta’s system requires dynamic forward play, including pressing high, combining fluidly, and putting defenders under pressure. While Gyokeres’ finishing proved decisive, enhancing his overall involvement could elevate Arsenal’s attacking threat even further.

Arsenal has now won three of their first three games, earning maximum points and building momentum. The win reinforced their European credentials while offering lessons for improvement. For Viktor Gyokeres, Alan Shearer’s critique could serve as motivation to sharpen his all-round game as the Champions League campaign progresses.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.