Arsenal ace Leandro Trossard jabs pundit as Viktor Gyokeres criticised | Football | Sport

Despite maintaining their lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal‘s stars didn’t escape criticism following their 1-0 victory over Fulham. In particular, Viktor Gyokeres came under fire after failing to score in yet another match for the Gunners.

The Sweden striker has been told exactly how he falls short when compared to the world’s top forwards. His honesty may be a hindrance as Gyokeres was blamed for Arsenal missing out on a penalty at Craven Cottage. Leandro Trossard scored the only goal in west London and used the opportunity to issue his response to a specific pundit who has raised doubts over Arsenal in the past. Express Sport delves into the latest news from the Emirates Stadium as the Premier League leaders continue their winning streak.

Gyokeres is ‘far from’ matching elite forwards

Scoring just three goals in his first 11 matches for Arsenal wasn’t what fans expected after Gyokeres joined in the summer. And Alan Shearer criticised the struggling forward, who was recently critiqued by Gunners great Thierry Henry, after another goalless performance against Fulham this weekend.

The Newcastle legend appeared on Match of the Day, where viewers were shown examples of the finishing boasted by top strikers Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Having failed to make an immediate impact like these players after big transfers, Gyokeres’ lack of goals so far this season may well be a concern.

“He’s not in the league of the three we showed in the previous clip [Haaland, Kane and Mbappe], far from that,” said the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. “But I think he brings a different strength, there’s no doubt that he will have to improve his goalscoring, as you said, he’s only got three.”

That strike tally appears even more concerning given two of Gyokeres’ goals for Arsenal came during a 5-0 thrashing of newly-promoted Leeds. Shearer did identify some encouraging aspects in Gyokeres’ performances, though, and highlighted how he’s managed to create opportunities for certain team-mates.

“But one of his strengths which has suited Arsenal is he actually goes in behind,” he continued. “When he does that it creates space for others to play because last season you had [Kai] Havertz or [Mikel] Merino coming short and that’s easier for teams to defend against.

“When you’re running the other way they get deeper and deeper and that then opens up space for others to play. I think from that point of view he has improved Arsenal.”

Trossard set-piece dig at Neville

One aspect of Arsenal‘s gameplay that has evolved throughout Arteta’s reign is the significant focus on set-pieces. The Gunners have repeatedly featured amongst the Premier League’s most dangerous set-piece sides in recent campaigns and are leading the charts once more this season.

Trossard’s clever finish from a corner against Fulham has kept Arsenal level with Chelsea, leading the league with eight set-piece goals this season. However, Gary Neville has criticised the team’s focus on dead-ball situations in the past, arguing it has taken away some of Arsenal‘s identity in open play.

“Arsenal have become quite rigid, they’ve become quite turgid at times to watch,” said the Sky Sports pundit after Arsenal‘s 1-0 home defeat to West Ham in February. “This obsession with set-pieces, which was overtaking their whole game – exacerbated by this presence of their set-piece coach on the touchline which puts more focus on set-pieces. It’s like…no. The freedom’s gone a little bit from them.”

Arsenal, however, will be unconcerned about how their goals are scored, as long as they secure victory. Trossard seemed to take a cheeky swipe at Neville following their latest set-piece triumph.

The Belgian took to social media after Saturday’s win, posting a picture of himself celebrating with the caption: “Everyone loves a good set-piece, right? [winking emoji].”

The victory in west London ensures Arsenal will maintain their Premier League lead for at least another week. And Trossard appears ready to respond to the club’s critics with on-field results as the Gunners aim to end their title drought.

Gyokeres penalty incident criticism

Gyokeres could have broken his goal drought from the penalty spot had he been more cunning during Arsenal‘s trip to Fulham. That’s the view of former Premier League referee and PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett.

The striker found himself one-on-one with Bernd Leno when it appeared his ankle was caught. However, instead of hitting the deck in pursuit of a spot-kick, he stayed upright while attempting to convert the opportunity.

Hackett reckons tumbling under the challenge would have heaped additional pressure on referee Anthony Taylor to contemplate awarding a penalty. While Gyokeres earned credit for trying to play fair, the former official emphasised how such integrity nearly backfired on his side.

“Anthony Taylor was in an excellent position,” he told Football Insider. “Frankly, the player not going to ground was the foundation of Taylor not recognising the foul.

“Clearly, if the player had immediately gone to ground, Taylor, I think, would have been pointing to the penalty spot. Arsenal were unlucky not to get a penalty kick.”