Jamie Redknapp criticised Viktor Gyokeres’ performance during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton, claiming that the striker’s touch and hold-up play was ‘not adequate’.
Gyokeres scored the winning goal from the penalty spot against Everton but Arsenal’s £64 million summer signing had a troublesome evening up against Michael Keane and James Tarkowski.
The 27-year-old now has five goals within the Premier League having scored twice against Leeds United, in addition to in games against Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
Redknapp was left unimpressed with Gyokeres’ performance agaisnt Everton and believes the Sweden international is battling the physicality of the Premier League.
‘He did okay, it’s a struggle for him in the mean time, I feel he’s finding it hard up there,’ Redknapp said during his evaluation for Sky Sports.
‘It’s his fifth goal of the season… for whatever reason, and it shouldn’t be the case because he’s been within the English leagues before, it looks like he’s really battling the physicality of it.
‘Considering he’s a really big guy, I very rarely see him win a duel one on one, when I believed he could physically overpower people.
‘When it comes to his finesse, his touch, bringing people into play – not adequate.
Arsenal fixtures
Crystal Palace (H) | Carabao Cup | December 23
Brighton (H) | Premier League | December 27
Aston Villa (H) | Premier League | December 30
Bournemouth (A) | Premier League | January 3
Liverpool (H) | Premier League | January 8
‘He’s finding it tough. He needs a bit little bit of confidence. Look, he’s never going to be like a Bergkamp who’s going to bring the ball, roll people and play little clever passes, he’s a battering ram who’s going to attain goals, make big moments and hopefully win you games.
‘You may argue that tonight, yes, he won the sport but he won it with a penalty. You would like to see him win games with really necessary goals which might be going to make the difference in the massive games.
‘In the meanwhile, he’s done okay, I don’t think you may say anything greater than that.’
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