Declan Rice has defended Arsenal teammate Viktor Gyokeres after Paul Merson suggested the Sweden international could cost the Gunners the Premier League title. The midfielder's comments came after Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday, a result that kept them top of the table.
Mikel Arteta's side trailed to Evanilson's opener before Gabriel equalised, with Rice then scoring twice to put Arsenal 3-1 ahead. Eli Junior Kroupi pulled a goal back for the Cherries, but Arsenal held on for a vital three points in the title race.
Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting CP for £64 million in the summer, has managed just five goals in the top flight this season and failed to score again at the weekend, extending his barren run. Despite the forward's struggles, Rice insists the 27-year-old is essential to Arsenal's hopes of ending their 22-year league title drought.
Speaking after the match, Rice said defenders swarm Gyokeres because he is "one of the best strikers in the world". He added: "Without him making that run from Gabriel Martinelli's flick and holding it, setting it off to Martin [Odegaard], that goal wouldn't happen. That was a pivotal moment in the game." Rice stressed that Gyokeres is "doing unbelievably" for the team.
Merson, however, was less complimentary. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Arsenal player said the club lack a "natural goalscorer" and that Gyokeres does not fit that description. He suggested Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz would be better options when fit, adding: "When it gets down to those last eight games, and it gets so nervy, you might need that something out of nothing."
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League as they chase their first title since 2004, with Rice's double proving decisive in their latest victory.
