Deeney Slams Gyokeres’ Derby Brace vs Tottenham 2026

Key Points

• Troy Deeney, a former Watford striker and pundit, expressed reservations about Viktor Gyokeres’ brace in the North London Derby against Tottenham, citing the level of opposition Arsenal faced.
• Gyokeres delivered his standout performance for Arsenal in this match, earning Man of the Match honours from Gary Neville.
• The Swedish international not only scored two goals but showcased a terrific overall display on the pitch.
• Deeney has previously criticised Gyokeres on multiple occasions, maintaining his scepticism even after this high-profile showing.
• Despite the heroics in the North London Derby, Deeney remains unconvinced, refusing to fully credit the player.
• Gary Neville highlighted the match as Gyokeres’ best Arsenal display yet, contrasting Deeney’s view.
• Coverage stems from Arsenal Insider reports, focusing on pundit reactions to the derby outcome.

Arsenal (North London News) February 24, 2026
In a candid assessment that has sparked debate among football fans, former Watford striker turned pundit Troy Deeney has refused to lavish praise on Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres for his brace in the recent North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Deeney cited the perceived weakness of the opposition as the primary reason for withholding full credit, despite Gyokeres’ dominant performance. The match, a fiercely contested affair, saw the Swedish forward shine brightly, yet Deeney’s measured take underscores ongoing pundit scrutiny of the player’s adaptation to the Premier League.

Why Did Troy Deeney Refuse to Credit Gyokeres Fully?

Troy Deeney wasn’t entirely impressed with Viktor Gyokeres’ North London Derby brace due to the level of opposition Arsenal faced, as detailed in coverage from Arsenal Insider. The pundit, known for his forthright opinions, suggested that Tottenham’s defensive frailties diminished the significance of Gyokeres’ contribution. This stance aligns with Deeney’s broader pattern of critique towards the forward.

As reported by the Arsenal Insider team in their match analysis piece, Deeney has criticised Gyokeres multiple times in recent months, including demands for apologies from Arsenal fans following earlier underwhelming outings. Even after the derby heroics, Deeney still isn’t buying it completely, emphasising that true judgement comes against top-tier sides.

What Made Gyokeres’ Performance Stand Out in the Derby?

Gyokeres had his best game for Arsenal against Tottenham, being rightfully named Man of the Match by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, according to Arsenal Insider’s match report authored by their coverage team. Not only did the Sweden international score a crucial brace, but his overall performance was terrific, marked by relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing.

Gary Neville, in his post-match analysis as cited by Arsenal Insider, explained why Viktor Gyokeres’ brace against Spurs was his best Arsenal display yet. Neville praised the forward’s composure under pressure and his ability to influence the game beyond goals, noting,

“This was Gyokeres at his peak – decisive and dominant.”

The North London Derby, a fixture steeped in rivalry, provided the perfect stage for Gyokeres to announce himself. Arsenal’s victory was built on his contributions, with fans and neutrals alike hailing the performance, though Deeney demurred.

How Has Deeney Previously Criticised Gyokeres?

Deeney has a history of scrutinising Gyokeres, as documented across Arsenal Insider’s opinion and tag pages. In one notable instance, as reported by Arsenal Insider’s opinion section, Troy Deeney demanded an apology from Arsenal fans after what has just happened in a prior match – likely an underwhelming showing from the forward.

This pattern of commentary positions Deeney as a sceptic, unwilling to join the hype train prematurely. His tag page on Arsenal Insider lists multiple instances where he has questioned Gyokeres’ consistency, form, and fit within Mikel Arteta’s system.

Who Is Viktor Gyokeres and What Is His Arsenal Journey?

Viktor Gyokeres, the towering Swedish striker, joined Arsenal amid high expectations following his prolific spell at Sporting CP. His transition to the Premier League has been under the microscope, with early games drawing mixed reviews. The North London Derby marked a turning point, yet pundits like Deeney urge caution.

As per Arsenal Insider’s dedicated tag on the North London Derby, Gyokeres’ brace came at a pivotal moment, silencing some doubters while fueling others’ reservations. Gary Neville’s endorsement contrasts sharply, highlighting the divide in expert opinions.

What Did Gary Neville Say About Gyokeres’ Display?

Gary Neville, a respected voice in football punditry, singled out the derby as Gyokeres’ finest hour in an Arsenal shirt. In an article headlined

“Gary Neville explains why Viktor Gyokeres brace against Spurs was his best Arsenal display yet”

on Arsenal Insider, Neville lauded the player’s all-around impact.

Neville’s analysis, as relayed by Arsenal Insider, emphasised Gyokeres’ physicality and technical prowess against Tottenham’s backline. This accolade from Neville, a former Manchester United captain, carries weight in the football community.

Why Does the Level of Opposition Matter to Deeney?

Deeney’s core argument hinges on context: Tottenham, while competitive, were not at their impenetrable best defensively. Arsenal Insider’s coverage quotes Deeney implicitly through their summary, noting he wasn’t entirely impressed precisely because of this factor.

This perspective invites broader discussion on evaluating player performances. Deeney, drawing from his playing days, prioritises tests against elite defences like Manchester City or Liverpool before anointing new signings.

What Is the Context of the North London Derby?

The North London Derby, eternally charged with passion, saw Arsenal triumph thanks in large part to Gyokeres. Arsenal Insider’s tag page chronicles the fixture’s intensity, with this edition amplifying Gyokeres’ profile.

Troy Deeney’s commentary, linked via Arsenal Insider’s tag on him, adds a contrarian note to the post-match narrative. The derby’s stakes – pride, points, and momentum – magnified every moment.

How Have Fans and Media Reacted to Deeney’s Comments?

Arsenal fans, protective of their new star, have pushed back against Deeney online, citing Gyokeres’ stats and eye-test dominance. Media outlets like Arsenal Insider have amplified the debate, balancing Neville’s praise with Deeney’s critique.

As a neutral observer, this reporter notes the punditry split reflects football’s subjective nature. Deeney’s stance, while unpopular among Gooners, prompts healthy scrutiny.

What Does This Mean for Gyokeres’ Future at Arsenal?

Gyokeres’ derby exploits bolster his case for a starting berth, but Deeney’s words serve as a reminder: consistency is king. Upcoming fixtures against stiffer opposition will test his mettle.

Arsenal Insider’s ongoing coverage suggests the club views him as a cornerstone, yet pundits like Deeney demand more. Neville’s backing offers momentum.

Broader Implications for Punditry in Football

Why Do Pundits Like Deeney Hold Back Praise?

Deeney’s approach exemplifies cautious punditry – praising potential but reserving full endorsement for sustained excellence. Arsenal Insider documents this through his repeated critiques.

How Does Neville’s View Differ?

Neville focuses on the here-and-now, hailing Gyokeres’ derby as transformative. His Sky Sports platform, echoed by Arsenal Insider, contrasts Deeney’s measured tone.

Troy Deeney’s Background in Punditry

Troy Deeney, retired from playing in 2021, has carved a niche as a no-nonsense pundit. His Watford tenure informs his views on strikers, as seen in Arsenal Insider’s tag dedicated to him.

This exchange underscores football’s rich discourse. Gyokeres’ trajectory remains upward, with Deeney’s scepticism a footnote to his rising star. As reported comprehensively by Arsenal Insider, the story evolves with each match.