Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been compared to Nicklas Bendtner by one Gunners fan, but it isn’t his fault.
Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £55million, the striker has scored three goals, but has come in for some criticism.
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Gyokeres has looked a bit lost in certain games, although there have been signs of improvement.
The forward appears to be adapting to the physicality of the Premier League, even if the goals are yet to start flowing.
And one Arsenal fan phoned talkSPORT Breakfast to talk with Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor about Gyokeres, insisting Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is not using him properly.
Jamie said: “Arteta is not getting the best out of him.
“He’s using him like Nicklas Bendtner. He’s just launching the ball up to him.
“He’s not playing him through balls.
“You must have looked at Arsenal, Gabby. Watching Arsenal is so frustrating playing around the box, and either get a tap-in or a lucky goal.
“Where did Martinelli play last night? He played up front with Gyokeres, and that is where Walcott used to play.”
In response Brazil said: “I want Gyokeres to do well, I am just not sure. He will work his socks off.
“It’s interesting what Jamie is saying there about him being like Bendtner. I think he is probably better than Bendtner, but I understand where Jamie is coming from.
“You have got get half a yard and get the ball into the box.”
Agbonlahor added: “He makes great runs. I think Gyokeres will come good for Arsenal.”
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Signs of improvement
Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2-0 at the Emirates in the Champions League last night, and though Gyokeres didn’t score, he earned some praise from Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard said: “He had an incredible performance. As you said, apart from the goal, I think he did the rest of the things you ask for from a striker.
“The way he’s linking with his teammates, the way he’s opening spaces, the way he’s constantly threatening the back line.
“He had three or four big situations where he could have scored a goal, so it will come.”
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The performance against Olympiacos followed a strong showing from Gyokeres against Newcastle United.
The Swedish striker won a penalty that was later overturned with some clever movement.
He had to deal with the physical challenge of Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Jamaal Lascelles.
And despite some rough treatment, the forward played his part in some excellent counter-attacks.
Again, he didn’t score, and as the statistics show, he just isn’t taking on many shots.
The return of Martin Odegaard had an impact on Arsenal against Olympiacos, with it clear that he is prepared to thread passes through for Gyokeres.
It’s been a slow start for the forward, but there are more than enough signs that suggest Gyokeres is starting to grow in an Arsenal shirt.