Key Highlights
- Viktor Gyokeres scored twice against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
- Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres for making Arsenal “a much better team.”
- Gyokeres ranks top in the Premier League for applying ‘high pressure’ in advanced positions.
- The Swede has made more off-the-ball runs into the penalty area than any other Premier League player this season.
Arsenal’s Striker Offers More Than Just Goals
Arsenal’s recent performance in Europe and domestically has been bolstered by the all-round contributions of striker Viktor Gyokeres, as evidenced by his two-goal haul against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night. Manager Mikel Arteta was quick to highlight Gyokeres’s importance, emphasizing that he is more than just a goalscorer.
Arteta Praises Gyokeres’ All-Round Contribution
After the 4-0 victory, Arteta spoke glowingly about the Swede, stating: “He’s so physical and the way he presses the ball, and holds the ball, that’s phenomenal.” Arteta believes that Gyokeres has made Arsenal a more unpredictable team, noting his standout attributes of athleticism and work-rate. This praise is echoed by his teammates, who appreciate Gyokeres for his efforts on and off the field.
Data-Backed Evidence of Gyokeres’ Impact
Statistical analysis further underscores Arteta’s claims. Gyokeres leads the Premier League in applying ‘high pressure’ in the final third, with 199 such actions according to Opta data. He also tops the charts for high pressures applied in the opposition penalty area.
His hard-running style is not confined to defensive duties; he frequently makes intelligent off-the-ball runs into the penalty area and ranks third for off-the-ball runs directed behind opposition defences, providing a constant threat to opponents.
As a centre-forward, Gyokeres’s role extends beyond just scoring goals. He has had more touches in the opponent’s box than any other Arsenal player this season, indicating his importance as a focal point of the team’s attack. Additionally, he leads the Gunners in fouls won and possession regained in the final third, demonstrating a willingness to perform ‘dirty work’ for the club.
Expectations Moving Forward
Arsenal’s target is for Gyokeres to maintain or improve his scoring rate from last season. With four goals in 11 starts so far, he has the potential to finish the 2025-26 campaign with at least 20 goals. Such a haul, combined with his all-round contributions, could be considered a successful first season for Gyokeres in London.
Arteta’s faith in Gyokeres is also rooted in his ability to open up space for Arsenal’s attacking players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.
The signing of Gyokeres this summer was aimed at providing a focal point that the team often lacked last season due to injuries.
The article concludes with the observation that while Gyokeres may not be easy on the eye at times, his team-mates are behind him, pushing him forward and encouraging him in games. This support from within the squad highlights the positive impact Gyokeres is making for Arsenal beyond just scoring goals.
