Paul Merson tells Arsenal they have finally found their own Erling Haaland

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Paul Merson claimed Viktor Gyokeres ’ eye-catching performance reminded him of Erling Haaland . The Swedish striker scored twice in Arsenal ’s 3-0 win against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Gyokeres now has 21 goals across what has been a productive debut season in North London. And former star Paul Merson was full of praise for the forward and even compared his display to Manchester City sensation Haaland.

Speaking on Sky Sports , he said: “That was the best I've seen him play. It reminded me of Haaland. The players trust him a lot more, they were playing it in to him and he felt more confident.”

Gyokeres run of form has come at the perfect time for Arsenal , with Kai Havertz currently injured. Jamie Redknapp has claimed the lack of competition might actually have helped the Sporting Lisbon star play at his true potential.

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He said: “Do you think, is it a coincidence that he had his best - I’m not sure when he came off, hour or whatever - and Havertz wasn’t on the bench. Because maybe he’s not thinking ‘if I don’t so well, I’m coming off’.

“Because strikers are very selfish breed if you like, no being disrespectful. They don’t want almost that pressure of someone waiting in the wings.”

On that claim, Merson replied: “The thing is with a centre forward. Centre-forwards get the hump when they come off with 15, 20 minutes to go because that’s when the game opens up. They’ve done all the hard work and then a forward comes on.

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“There were a couple of times earlier in the season where I thought he needed to be the sub, Gyokeres, and come on for 20 minutes when the game has opened up.

“I think that may be the case. I think there’s not as much pressure. You’re not looking over every time when a number goes up thinking ‘is that my number?’

“That’s what they bought him for was performances like that week in, week out. They haven’t been there week in, week out. If they’re there for the next four games and win the league and get in the Champions League final, they’ve got their money back.”

Gyokeres will be aiming to continue his positive form next week as Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi final. They will then travel to struggling West Ham in the Premier League .

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