Arsenal Manager’s Confidence in Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence in Viktor Gyökeres‘ potential, emphasizing that the forward is still far from reaching his peak performance. Gyökeres, who transferred from Sporting CP this summer for €73 million (approximately $85.7 million), has made a strong start by netting three goals in his first six fixtures in the Premier League.
Match Highlights Against Newcastle United
In a recent match against Newcastle United, Gyökeres was initially awarded a penalty after a challenge from goalkeeper Nick Pope. However, the decision was reversed after a VAR review, a moment which showcased both the drama and tension of the contest. The Gunners secured a thrilling 2-1 victory, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments of the game. Although Gyökeres did not find the net himself, his contribution was significant with his active involvement throughout the match.
Arteta’s Praise for Gyökeres
Arteta praised Gyökeres’s mental resilience following the controversial penalty incident.
“I was really impressed with his attitude during the game. He didn’t show any signs of frustration, which is commendable. I advised him that while some decisions will go in his favor, others will not, and he has to continue pushing forward, especially with multiple defenders often around him. There’s a lot that happens in aerial battles, and his composure was key,”
he noted at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League match against Olympiacos.
He lamented Gyökeres’s missed opportunity to score, stating,
“It was unfortunate that he didn’t add a goal to his tally, as he truly deserved one given his involvement in creating dangerous situations.”
Current Team Dynamics
Currently, Gyökeres is Arsenal’s sole fit striker, as teammates Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are out due to injuries. However, Arteta remarked on how well Gyökeres has adapted to this pressure, noting,
“He approaches the situation with a natural ease and an impressive work ethic. His self-imposed standards are high, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside him. I firmly believe that he still has much more to offer the team in terms of potential.”
