Gyokeres Finally Delivers in North London Derby as Neville Backs Swede to Build on Breakthrough

Viktor Gyokeres has set a new benchmark for himself, according to Gary Neville, after the Arsenal striker's two-goal haul in Sunday's demolition of Tottenham at their own ground.

The north London derby provided the perfect stage for Gyokeres to announce his credentials at the highest level. Alongside Eberechi Eze, who also netted twice, the Swedish frontman helped dismantle a Spurs side languishing in 16th place with a comprehensive 4-1 triumph.

For Gyokeres personally, it represented a watershed moment. The £64million signing from Sporting Lisbon has endured an uneven debut campaign since arriving last summer, leaving observers to question whether his substantial investment would pay dividends. Sunday's showing suggested it might.

With 10 Premier League goals from 26 appearances, Gyokeres' tally tells only part of the story. His general play has frequently invited scrutiny, yet against Spurs he demonstrated precisely the qualities Arsenal require in their number nine.

Neville was effusive in his assessment during live commentary. "He's played like a proper centre-forward today," the Sky Sports pundit observed. "He's held it up, been a nuisance, popped things off—and he's scored. Player of the Match." The former Manchester United defender added that it represented "the best I've seen him in a big game."

Speaking further on his podcast, Neville expanded on what he witnessed. He acknowledged Gyokeres as a "rugged" operator—imperfect, perhaps, but effective. "There have been times this season when you've thought, 'Is he a hit or a miss?'" Neville mused. "But he looked leaner and fitter yesterday, with more legs and power. He wasn't lumbering around like he'd been wading through treacle."

The performance marked a turning point in how Neville views the striker's Arsenal career. "It was his best moment of the season," he concluded, before issuing a crucial caveat: Gyokeres must now capitalise on this breakthrough. "He's set himself a level. He needs to kick on from here."

For Arsenal fans who've watched their record signing labour through stretches of mediocrity, Neville's verdict carries weight—not as a definitive endorsement, but as recognition that Gyokeres has finally shown what justified his transfer fee in the first place.