Jamie Carragher has performed a striking reversal in his assessment of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, praising the Swedish forward after his brace in Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. The Sky Sports pundit, who had previously dismissed Gyokeres as inferior to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, now likens his mentality to that of Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
Carragher’s earlier criticism of Gyokeres was sharp. As recently as December, he argued that Arsenal had better options in attack, insisting that Jesus and Havertz offered more quality and finesse. He went so far as to claim that Gyokeres should not be starting for Mikel Arteta’s side, suggesting that his lack of refinement could hinder Arsenal’s title ambitions. At the time, Carragher believed that once Jesus regained full fitness, he should reclaim the central striker role, leaving Gyokeres on the bench.
However, Gyokeres’ recent form has forced Carragher to reconsider. After struggling to make an impact in the first half of the season, the former Sporting CP forward has found his rhythm, scoring eight goals in his last 12 appearances. His brace against Spurs was particularly significant, not only securing bragging rights in one of Arsenal’s biggest fixtures of the season but also strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League table. The performance showcased Gyokeres’ growing confidence and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.
Carragher’s new stance reflects admiration for Gyokeres’ mentality rather than a complete endorsement of his technical ability. He acknowledged that while Gyokeres may not yet be a world-class striker, his fearless approach and instinctive finishing set him apart. “There’s no lack of confidence with him,” Carragher said. “He just gets the ball and bangs it in. It’s Alan Shearer-like, that sort of mentality.” This comparison to the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer underscores the respect Carragher now has for Gyokeres’ directness and determination.
The pundit also credited Mikel Arteta for keeping faith in Gyokeres despite doubts from critics. Many expected the Arsenal manager to rotate his attacking options, especially with Jesus and Havertz returning from injuries. Yet Arteta’s decision to persist with Gyokeres has paid off, with the striker repaying his manager’s trust in one of the club’s most important games of the season. Carragher admitted he was surprised to see Gyokeres consistently in the starting XI but conceded that Arteta’s judgment has been vindicated.
Analytically, Carragher’s U-turn highlights the evolving dynamics of Arsenal’s attack. While Jesus and Havertz remain valuable options, Gyokeres’ resurgence adds depth and variety to Arteta’s frontline. His ability to score crucial goals could prove decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware. The Gunners, now five points clear of Manchester City—albeit having played a game more—are firmly in contention for the Premier League title and other trophies as the season enters its decisive phase.
Reflective in tone, Carragher’s comments show a willingness to admit he may have misjudged Gyokeres. Admirative in nature, they emphasize the striker’s mentality and resilience. Analytically, they explore Arsenal’s tactical flexibility and striker hierarchy. And optimistically, they point to Gyokeres’ growing importance in Arsenal’s title challenge.
As Arsenal prepare for another London derby against Chelsea, Gyokeres’ form and confidence could be crucial. Carragher’s U-turn not only signals recognition of the striker’s progress but also reinforces the sense that Arsenal’s attacking options are stronger than ever heading into the final stretch of the season.
