Gary Neville makes Viktor Gyokeres claim after Arsenal thrash rivals Tottenham — and it could mark a turning point in the Gunners’ Premier League title run.
The former Manchester United defender was full of praise for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres following a dominant north London derby display that saw Mikel Arteta’s side overpower Tottenham and restore their advantage at the top of the table.
Arsenal vs Tottenham: North London Derby domination sends title message
Arsenal delivered a statement performance against their fiercest rivals, overwhelming Tottenham in the first half and taking control of the Premier League title race.
The league leaders dictated tempo, pressed aggressively and capitalised on key moments in a fixture that often defines seasons.
Eberechi Eze haunts Spurs after controversial transfer twist
It was Eberechi Eze who opened the scoring in the 32nd minute — a bitter pill for Tottenham fans given his near move to Spurs last summer.
Eze, who scored a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture at the Emirates Stadium, had agreed a move to Tottenham before Arsenal hijacked the deal and poached him from Crystal Palace.
The goal capped off a dominant opening spell from the visitors and set the tone for what would become a memorable derby day.
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Tottenham respond as Randal Kolo Muani punishes Declan Rice error
Despite Arsenal’s control, Tottenham struck back almost immediately.
Costly mistake from Declan Rice gifts Spurs equaliser
Randal Kolo Muani dispossessed an unusually casual Declan Rice, beating David Raya with a sharp finish.
Rice had moments earlier been urging teammates to focus following Arsenal’s opener, only to find himself apologising for the lapse.
For a brief spell, the momentum shifted — but it wouldn’t last.
Viktor Gyokeres steps up in a defining Arsenal performance
This was the moment Arsenal’s £64m striker needed.
Gyokeres restores Arsenal lead with emphatic finish
Viktor Gyokeres reasserted Arsenal’s dominance after the break with a powerful strike that underlined his growing influence in the Premier League.
Having endured an underwhelming start to life at the Emirates, Gyokeres now has seven goals since the turn of the New Year — a run of form that could prove decisive in the title race.
He added a second in injury-time, capping off one of his most complete performances in an Arsenal shirt.
Gary Neville’s verdict: “It’s the best I’ve seen him for a while”
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville did not hold back in his analysis on Sky Sports.
‘He looks really lively and smart, Gyokeres,’ Neville said after the Sweden international restored Arsenal’s lead at Tottenham.
‘It’s the best I’ve seen him for a while. It’s a great moment for him. He’s still got a lot to do when it comes to him – and he hasn’t always been smooth – but it’s a wonderful finish.
‘Gyokeres has had one of his best games for Arsenal, he’s been a real nuisance. It’s the best I’ve seen him in a big game.
‘He’s never going to be the prettiest striker but he deserves that award. He’s looked sharper today as well, it’s the most involved he’s been in a Premier League game.’
The praise signals a possible shift in perception around the Swedish forward, who had faced scrutiny earlier in the campaign.
Neville slams “stupid” Rice error despite Arsenal victory
Neville’s praise for Gyokeres was matched by sharp criticism of Rice’s mistake.
‘You cannot believe that,’ he said on Sky Sports. ‘Declan Rice has just joined his backline in making an error, this time it’s a really poor one.
‘Rice tries to dribble past Kolo Muani, who still has a lot to do. Saliba has got to be more aggressive than that, hasn’t he? It’s a nothing challenge and his mate, Gabriel, can’t get across.
‘We’ve seen a few of those stupid little errors from Arsenal’s senior players. Tottenham have had nothing in this game, Arsenal were so comfortable but there’s been a few lapses of concentration and its contagious and it has to stop otherwise they’ll be in trouble.
‘Rice was telling everyone to concentrate after Arsenal’s goal but then it’s so loose from him. I think Saliba could do better but Rice holds his hands up because he knows it was his mistake.’
Even in victory, Arsenal were reminded that small lapses could prove costly in a tight title race.
Premier League title race update: Arsenal restore five-point lead
The victory means Mikel Arteta’s side re-establish a five-point gap over Manchester City with 11 games remaining in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur remain 16th, just four points above the relegation zone — a worrying position for a club that had ambitions of pushing higher.
For Arsenal, however, momentum appears firmly back on their side.
If Arsenal are to go the distance in the Premier League title race, they need big performances in big moments. Against Tottenham, Viktor Gyokeres delivered exactly that — and Gary Neville’s verdict suggests the £64m forward may finally be hitting top form at precisely the right time.
With confidence growing and momentum restored, Arsenal’s title charge looks very much alive.
Also Read: Declan Rice’s Leadership Backfires in North London Derby Moments After Eberechi Eze Goal
“Best I’ve Seen” – Gary Neville Makes Bold Viktor Gyokeres Claim After Tottenham Demolition