Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres has produced what has been his finest performance in an Arsenal shirt, according to BBC reporter Alex Howell.
The Swedish international was at the heart of a relentless first-half display that saw the Gunners dismantle Fulham, as they push for the Premier League title.
Howell: “That’s the best Viktor Gyokeres has played for Arsenal”
Speaking from the Emirates Stadium during the halftime break, BBC Sport’s Alex Howell was full of praise for the clinical nature of Arsenal’s attack.
Speaking of Gyokeres’ strong first half performance, he said (via BBC Sport):
“That half was the best Arsenal have played for a good few weeks. Having Saka makes such a difference to the way they attack. That’s the best Gyokeres has played for Arsenal too.”
Fulham’s defence struggled to contain the movement of the front three, offering little in the way of resistance.
Howell suggested that the dominant opening 45 minutes should be more than enough for Mikel Arteta’s side to see the game out and move six points clear at the top of the table, barring a dramatic second-half collapse.
He added: “That should be enough for Arsenal to see this game out and move six points clear unless something dramatic happens in the second half.”
Wayne Rooney praises Gyokeres
Joining in on the praise, Wayne Rooney highlighted the importance of a traditional number nine during the high-pressure “run-in” of a title race.
Rooney emphasised that the Swede provides a focal point that Arsenal had occasionally lacked in previous seasons. He said on BBC One (via BBC Sport):
“I’ve liked Gyokeres all season. I think he does so well for the team. He occupies defenders and I think his goal tally has been good this season. This is when you need him now, during the run-in. This is what you need when you bring a no. 9 into the club. This is when you need them most.”
Despite putting in decent numbers, his future remains uncertain with suggestions that Arsenal are open to selling him.
With a win set to extend the lead to six points, the pressure will once again be on Man City to play catch up, although they have two games in hand.
This is going to be a tight title race which could go down straight to the last day of the season.