LONDON – Viktor Gyokeres is beginning to justify the £64 million Arsenal invested in his services last summer, and manager Mikel Arteta is increasingly impressed with the striker’s mental fortitude. A brace in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland not only secured three crucial points for the Gunners but also underscored a growing confidence within the team as they navigate a demanding schedule.
The win at the Stadium of Light propelled Arsenal nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, though Manchester City still have a game in hand, scheduled for Sunday against Liverpool. Arteta, however, cautioned against complacency, stating that the league lead “means nothing” at this stage of the season. ’s performance, however, offered tangible evidence of Arsenal’s title credentials.
Gyokeres, who came off the bench to score both goals, has now tallied 13 goals in all competitions this season. His impact was particularly notable given his earlier struggles to consistently replicate the form that persuaded Arsenal to bring him in from Sporting CP. The ’s display was a clear demonstration of his ability to seize opportunities and contribute decisively, even when not in the starting eleven.
“The way he came in, he was ready straight away,” Arteta said after the match. “When you get the line-up, you react in a certain way and we’re experiencing it every three days. We know how important the finishers are, the impact that they are having on the team, on the results and where we are at the moment.”
The narrative surrounding Gyokeres has shifted in recent weeks. After a period of uncertainty and questions about his integration into the Arsenal squad, particularly with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus returning from injury, the Swedish international has found a “magic formula,” as described by some observers. He has scored six goals in his last eight appearances, a significant upturn in form that has silenced some of the early criticism.
Arteta emphasized the importance of character in navigating the pressures of playing for a club with Arsenal’s expectations. “When you put that shirt on it comes with huge expectations and responsibility and you need to live with that,” he explained. “In your journey here you’re going to have moments that go really well and others that will be tough. But I love his character, the way he approaches every single day, and the fact he’s so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”
The manager highlighted Gyokeres’ ability to remain unaffected by both successes and setbacks, a quality he believes is crucial for maintaining stability within the team. “He doesn’t seem too affected by the highs or the lows and that’s what we need, that stability. He’s very demanding of himself, he’s constantly trying to improve and that’s really, really good.”
The victory over Sunderland wasn’t solely about Gyokeres, however. The team’s overall performance was dominant, and the clean sheet provided a solid foundation for the attack to flourish. While the focus has rightly turned to Gyokeres’ resurgence, Arteta will be equally pleased with the collective effort and the growing sense of cohesion within the squad.
Arsenal’s success this season has been built on a blend of tactical flexibility, individual brilliance, and a strong team spirit. Gyokeres’ ability to contribute consistently will be vital as the Gunners continue to push for both the Premier League title and success in the Champions League and League Cup. The League Cup final against Manchester City promises to be a particularly compelling encounter, offering a chance for Arsenal to secure silverware and further solidify their position as a force in English football.
Despite the positive momentum, Arteta remains grounded. He understands that the season is far from over and that maintaining focus and consistency will be paramount. The upcoming match against Manchester City will be a stern test of Arsenal’s resolve, but the recent performances, particularly Gyokeres’ contribution, suggest that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Even Arsenal legend Paul Merson has noted a shift, though with a critical edge. Merson believes that Gyokeres’ teammates haven’t fully trusted the striker with the ball, a dynamic that, if addressed, could unlock even greater potential. This observation underscores the ongoing process of integration and the need for continued collaboration between Gyokeres and his fellow attackers.
The Guardian’s Barney Ronay observed that Gyokeres’ “gifts of bundling and poaching” suggest Arsenal have found a genuine goal threat. This assessment highlights the striker’s ability to thrive in the penalty area and capitalize on opportunities, a skill that has proven invaluable in recent matches.
As Arsenal look ahead to a crucial period in the season, the emergence of a confident and impactful Viktor Gyokeres provides a significant boost. His ability to deliver under pressure, coupled with his unwavering commitment to improvement, makes him a valuable asset for Arteta and a player to watch in the coming months.
