Paul Merson has heaped praise on Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, comparing the Swedish striker to Manchester City's Erling Haaland after a standout performance against Fulham. The forward came agonizingly close to a first-half hat-trick, showcasing the kind of clinical edge that has made Haaland a global superstar.

Gyokeres has faced scrutiny since his high-profile move to the Emirates, with critics pointing to a goal return that didn't immediately match the blistering form he displayed at Sporting CP—where he netted nearly 100 goals in two seasons. However, his display against the Cottagers offered a compelling glimpse of the talent that prompted Arsenal to invest in him.

In that match, Gyokeres bagged a brace and consistently tormented Fulham's backline with intelligent movement and sharp link-up play. His ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into attack allowed Arsenal to maintain relentless pressure, even though he might have added more goals to his tally. It was a performance that signaled a turning point in his debut season.

"That was the best I've seen him play," Merson told the BBC. "It reminded me of Haaland. The players trust him a lot more now—they were playing it into him, and he felt more confident."

That growing trust is key. As Gyokeres builds stronger relationships with his Arsenal teammates, his confidence on the pitch is rising. For a striker, that chemistry can be the difference between a good season and a great one. With several fixtures still to play, he has a golden opportunity to build on this momentum and justify the club's faith in him.

If Gyokeres can maintain this level of performance, he could become the focal point of Arsenal's attack as they push for their season objectives. For fans and fantasy managers alike, this is a player worth watching closely.