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Gary Neville has backed Viktor Gyokeres to help fire Arsenal to the Premier League title. Gyokeres made his Premier League debut on Sunday as Arsenal beat Manchester United, but faced criticism for what many felt was an ineffective display.
Neville did not share that view, though, and said there were plenty of things that impressed him about the 27-year-old's performance.
Gyokeres earned a move to the Premier League by scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, and he was brought in to address the Gunners' lack of a prolific striker.
Explaining why he is tipping Arsenal to win the Premier League, Neville told Sky Sports: "I couldn't separate them (Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City) so I just went for the team I've gone for the last three years. They're reliable and solid, and they're consistent, which I think is important.
"They're consistently getting high points totals and finishing second to great teams, so I think that they've improved themselves.
"Gyokeres, I wasn't negative about him yesterday... I saw some things in that game. I thought De Ligt did well against him but there were moments where he was a bit uncomfortably with him but I think he'll do well for Arsenal.
"Zubimendi didn't have his best game but I think he'll slot in well, Declan Rice couldn't be any worse yesterday. I think Arsenal have got the right material. They're just going to have to sort that forward bit of the pitch out and I think Gyokeres will.
"I couldn't separate Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool. I think they're absolutely all in with an equal chance of winning it. Arsenal have been consistent over the last three years, they've been second. I do feel they'll get there at some point.
"Liverpool, the two full-backs have got to settle in. They look a little bit open. They are going to be exhilarating to watch. They're going to score a lot of goals. City have an unbelievable spine."
Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, backed Liverpool to defends its crown but tipped Manchester City — not Arsenal — to be the Reds' closest challenger.
"A few days ago, I thought Arsenal would be Liverpool's biggest challengers," Carragher said. "But the way they played [at Man Utd] was typical Arsenal of last season - the name of the game is winning games - it will be interesting over the next few weeks if we see them open up more, create more chances and see how they've evolved from last season.
"I was really impressed with Manchester City and I think it's Manchester City who might be Liverpool's closest challengers."
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