Gary Neville Slams Viktor Gyokeres After Poor Arsenal Showing vs Liverpool

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville criticised Viktor Gyokeres  performance after Arsenal blunt attack failed to break Liverpool at the Emirates

Gary Neville heavily criticized Viktor Gyokeres after Arsenal failed to score in their tense Premier League draw with Liverpool on January 8, 2026. The Sky Sports pundit branded the striker’s performance “really poor,” insisting he offered Arsenal nothing during a frustrating night at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal controlled possession for long spells but struggled to turn dominance into goals. Liverpool defended deep and compact, limiting space in central areas and exposing Arsenal’s lack of penetration through the middle.

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Neville did not soften his assessment during Sky Sports’ live commentary. As Mikel Arteta prepared to replace Gyokeres with Gabriel Jesus in the second half, the former Manchester United defender voiced his frustration.

“He’s been ineffective — and that’s being kind,” Neville said. “He’s offered nothing.”

The comments reflected Arsenal’s attacking struggles, with Gyokeres failing to impose himself against Liverpool’s centre-backs.

Gyokeres Fails to Influence Arsenal Attack

Gyokeres endured a quiet evening, managing just eight touches before his substitution. He completed only six passes and failed to register a single shot on goal.

Arsenal needed their striker to hold up play and bring midfield runners such as Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice into the game. Instead, Liverpool’s defensive structure isolated Gyokeres, leaving Arsenal predictable in the final third.

Despite Arsenal pushing Liverpool back for long periods, the lack of a focal point inside the box proved costly.

The Liverpool match added to growing concerns surrounding Gyokeres’ adaptation to the Premier League. Since his summer move from Sporting Lisbon for a reported £80 million, the Swedish forward has scored seven goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.

That return contrasts sharply with his prolific spell in Portugal, where he scored 97 goals in 102 matches. Several pundits now question whether the physical and tactical demands of English football have limited his effectiveness.

Neville’s criticism echoed wider doubts among supporters, especially as alternatives such as Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have also failed to deliver consistent goals.

Pressure Mounts on Arteta and Arsenal Forward Line

Arteta faces increasing scrutiny as Arsenal continue to drop points in tight games. The draw against Liverpool represented a missed opportunity in a congested title race, where fine margins often decide outcomes.

Some analysts believe Arsenal may need to revisit the transfer market if their attacking inconsistency persists. Others argue Gyokeres simply requires time to adjust to a new league and system.

Either way, expectations remain high given his price tag and reputation.

With upcoming fixtures against lower-table opposition, Gyokeres will have chances to respond on the pitch. Strong performances could quickly shift the narrative and restore confidence among fans and pundits alike.

Until then, Neville’s verdict stands as one of the harshest critiques of an Arsenal player this season — and a reminder of the unforgiving spotlight that comes with leading the line at a title-chasing club.

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