Arsenal bypassed Everton to sit top at Christmas with the only goal in the game coming from striker Gyokeres who fired home a first half penalty.
Rooney backs Gyokeres
The goal against the Toffees was only his fifth of the season as he continues to struggle to find the back of the net from open play under manager Mikel Arteta who will be overwhelmed with the forward so far.
However, despite his little impact in North London, Rooney has backed the 27-year-old who he says is actually playing a huge role in attack.
“You maybe don't see it, it's not eye-catching, but he does occupy the centre-back.
"He hasn't scored the goals, which obviously he scored in the Portuguese league, but I think he does a bit more than what you see.
“Like even last night, he occupies the two centre backs and he occupied (James) Tarkowski and Michael Keane.
"It creates a little bit more space for other players. So I think he is important for Arsenal. He's doing a job for Arsenal which helps other players. He just hasn't got the goals which you'd expect from him.”
Arsenal must stay humble
With Rooney’s backing, Gyokeres will be feeling confident over the Christmas break where he says the club must stay grounded.
"It's always a good feeling to win football matches and to be top of the table, but it doesn't mean so much because it's a long way to go and (there are) a lot of games still to play.
"But we still have a lot of games around Christmas, so of course I will enjoy it... but not too much!"